PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
Register of Buildings and Sites of Architectural, Archaeological and Historical Importance in Jersey Assessment of 63 St Saviour’s Road, St Helier
Purpose of the Report
The purpose of this report is for the Minister to consider adding 63 St Saviour’s Road 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 provide reports and recommendations to the Minister for Planning and Environment on the registration of buildings and sites. It incorporates the views of the Ministerial Registration and Listing Advisory Group (MRLAG) - a group established to provide independent, expert advice on matters relating to the protection of buildings and sites of cultural interest.
MRLAG requested an appraisal of No.63 St Saviour’s Road following the group’s review of No.61 at its meeting in September 2006. The Curator of Historic Buildings subsequently carried out an assessment of the house on 26 September ahead of discussions by the MRLAG on 9 October.
Discussion
63 St Saviour’s Road is clearly shown on the 1834 Le Gros Map and may be the same building that appears on the Richmond map published in 1795. The house is a surviving example of the early expansion of town into the surrounding countryside in the late 18th century / early 19th century. It forms part of a (seemingly uncompleted) terrace of 5-bay houses and has group value with its neighbour No.65 – both contributing to the architectural and historic character of St Saviour’s Road.
The house has architectural interest as a 5-bay town house notable for an unusual and decorative doorcase, although the character of the house has been damaged by the addition of a large box dormer and the loss of original windows and railings.
The age of the house is a significant consideration. The criteria for registration state, “The older a building is, the fewer examples of its kind are likely to survive, and thus the more likely it is to have historic importance. In Jersey, any building which survives in recognisable form from before the middle of the 19th century will normally be of registerable quality for its historic interest, as well as, normally, meeting at least one of the other principal criteria.”
Taking these factors into consideration, MRLAG agreed that No.63 St Saviour’s Road satisfies the criteria for registration as a Building of Local Interest. Mr P Harding and Mr C Aubin declared an interest and withdrew from discussions.
Recommendation
63 St Saviour’s Road should be added to the Historic Buildings Register as a Building of Local Interest.
Comment by Principal Historic Buildings Advisor
At the meeting on 9th November the Minister postponed his decision on this matter until he had received comments from the Principal Historic Buildings Advisor. She has now been able to consider the case and notes that number 65 St Saviour’s Road has been included in the Register, and that as 63 is similar and meets the criteria there would appear to be no reason for it to be treated differently. She therefore agrees with the recommendation of the Curator of Historic Buildings.
Reason(s) for Decision
63 St Saviour’s Road satisfies the published criteria for registration.
The registration of 63 St Saviour’s Road 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
Amend the Historic Buildings Register to include 63 St Saviour’s Road
Issue a notification letter to the owner
Notify Development Control - Urban Section of the decision
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
Extracts from 1795 and 1834 maps
Registration assessment and photographs 2006
23 November 2006