PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
Register of Buildings and Sites of Architectural, Archaeological and Historical Importance
Assessment of Mill Farm (Le Moulin de la Perrelle), La Rue du Moulin, St Martin
Purpose of the Report
The purpose of this report is for the Minister to consider adding Mill Farm to the Historic Buildings Register, having regard to the States strategic objective ‘to protect the best of the Island’s architectural heritage’ and a key objective of the Island Plan 2002 to protect and promote Jersey’s built, cultural and archaeological heritage.
Background
This report has been prepared by the Jersey Heritage Trust as part of its responsibility under a Service Level Agreement to make assessments and to provide reports and recommendations to the Minister for Planning and Environment on the registration of buildings and sites. It incorporates the views of the Jersey Heritage Advisory Panel (JHAP) - a group established to provide independent, expert advice on matters relating to the protection of buildings and sites of cultural interest.
Mill Farm was included in the 1992 Historic Buildings Register. It was removed from the Register by the Jersey Building Heritage Sub-Committee during its review of registered buildings in St Martin in 2001.
In March 2006, in response to a public representation to a planning application, the Historic Buildings Officer requested that JHT re-assess the architectural and historic interests of Mill Farm.
Discussion
Mill Farm comprises a mill house and former watermill known as Le Moulin de la Perrelle. The mill appears in the historic record from the early seventeenth century although the buildings have been remodelled over the years.
A provisional archaeological assessment of the site was carried out by Chris Aubin, chairman of the Société Jersiaise Archaeology Section, on 3 March 2006. An evaluation of the significance of the site was made by the Curator of Historic Buildings and the Historic Buildings Officer, taking into account the archaeological assessment. It was agreed that the building clearly has historical interest as a former watermill, and architectural interest deriving from the exterior design of the building (although little survives of the interior fittings and machinery). The mill’s relationship with the landscape context adds to the interest and the buildings make a positive contribution to the scenic value of the area. Also taking into consideration the rarity of this type of industrial building in Jersey, it was concluded that Mill Farm merits inclusion on the Register as a Building of Local Interest.
This recommendation was presented for discussion by JHAP at its meeting on 13 March 2006.
Members agreed that the former mill buildings have historic and architectural interest and make a positive contribution to the scenic value of the area and to the architectural and historical character and appearance of Jersey. The Panel agreed with the recommendation that Mill Farm merits inclusion on the Register as a Building of Local Interest.
Recommendation
Mill Farm should be added to the Historic Buildings Register as a Building of Local Interest.
Reason(s) for Decision
Mill Farm satisfies the published criteria for registration as a BLI.
The registration of Mill Farm is in accordance with Interim Policy HB1 which states ‘Historic buildings which contribute positively to the distinctive character or appearance of Jersey’s built-up areas or countryside, particularly where they are of ‘group value’, will be identified and included in the Register of Buildings and Sites of Architectural, Archaeological and Historical Importance in Jersey.’
Action Required
Notify C. Aubin, Archaeology Section – Société Jersiaise
Written by: | Roger Hills Curator of Historic Buildings - Jersey Heritage Trust |
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Approved by: | Fiona Smith Historic Buildings Officer |
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Endorsed by: | Kevin Pilley Assistant Director |
Attachments:
Location plan
A Provisional Archaeological Assessment by Chris Aubin
Photographs
23 March 2006