PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
Register of Buildings and Sites of Architectural, Archaeological and Historical Importance in Jersey Appeal against the registration of 59 (Brookland House), Old Trinity Hill, St Helier
Purpose of the Report
The purpose of this report is for the Minister to consider an appeal against the registration of Brookland House, 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.
The Planning Sub-Committee added Brookland House to the Historic Buildings Register as a BLI in 2003.
The Planning and Environment Department received an appeal against this registration on 26 May 2006 and subsequently requested that the Jersey Heritage Trust undertake an appraisal of the property ahead of discussions with the Ministerial Registration and Listing Advisory Group.
Discussion
The Curator of Historic Buildings carried out an assessment of the significance of the building on 30 June. It was noted that Brookland House was built in the first half of the 19th century (the owner ascribes a date of 1844). The 5-bay house substantially retains its external historic form and detail including a highly decorative render door canopy with lion masks, grapes and acanthus leaves. The house sits within an area of historic interest centred on the old Town Mills and makes a positive contribution to the architectural and historical character of the vicinity, in particular in terminating uphill views from the south.
Taking these factors into consideration, and being mindful of the age of the building, it was concluded that the house merits inclusion on the Register as a Building of Local Interest. This conclusion was presented for discussion by MRLAG at a site visit on 10 July 2006.
Members noted that the road is a surviving example of nineteenth century St Helier and unanimously agreed with the recommendation that Brookland House be retained on the Register as a BLI.
Recommendation
Brookland House (59 Old Trinity Hill) should be retained on the Historic Buildings Register as a Building of Local Interest.
Reason(s) for Decision
Brookland House satisfies the published criteria for registration.
The registration of Brookland House 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
Issue a notification letter to the owner
Written by: | Roger Hills Curator of Historic Buildings - Jersey Heritage Trust |
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Approved by: | Fiona Smith Historic Buildings Officer – P&E |
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Endorsed by: | Kevin Pilley Assistant Director – P&E |
Attachments:
Location plan
Registration assessment and photographs 2006
Brief history of Town Mills prepared by the Planning and Environment Department
Exempt: 3.2.1 (b) Appeal letter from Mr R Romeril, dated 24 May 2006
12 July 2006