PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
Register of Buildings and Sites of Architectural, Archaeological and Historical Importance
Review of La Tourelle, La Rue de la Sergente, St Brelade
Purpose of the Report
The purpose of this report is for the Minister to review the existing registration of La Tourelle, 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.
La Tourelle is the new name for a range of converted farm buildings that were formerly part of a farm called L’Harmonie. L’Harmonie was included in the first Register, published in 1992, and the Jersey Building Heritage Sub-Committee retained the subdivided farm group as a BLI in July 2001.
An appeal against the registration of La Tourelle, submitted by KE Planning on behalf of the owners, was received by the Planning and Environment Department on 11 October 2006.
The Planning and Environment Department subsequently requested that the Jersey Heritage Trust undertake a re-appraisal of the property ahead of discussions with the Ministerial Registration and Listing Advisory Group at its meeting on 11 December.
Discussion
It is clear from an assessment of the standing building and from the evidence submitted in the appeal that the historic farm range now known as La Tourelle was significantly altered during its conversion to residential use in 1982. Alterations to the original building included the demolition of a significant proportion of the original walls, the wholesale replacement of the roof, the removal of one chimneystack and the loss of original windows and doors. The historic character of the building was further altered with the addition of a faux tourelle, bay window and modern split dormers.
The group agreed that the only section of the building to retain a significant amount of historic fabric is part of the south-west elevation comprising a granite façade and chimneystack. One member expressed the view that these remaining sections should be retained as a BLI considering their group value with the adjacent surviving farmhouse.
Recommendation
The former farm building now known as La Tourelle should be removed from the Register.
Reason(s) for Decision
There is an insufficient survival of the historic form and detail of the building to meet the published criteria for registration as a BLI.
Action Required
Amend the entry for La Tourelle on the historic building Keystone database
Issue a notification letter to the owner
Notify Development Control - Rural Team of decision
Written by: | Roger Hills Curator of Historic Buildings - Jersey Heritage Trust |
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Approved by: | Janet Dore Principal Historic Buildings Advisor |
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Endorsed by: | Kevin Pilley Assistant Director (Policy and Projects) |
Attachments:
Appeal report by KE Planning, October 2006
BR0349
02 January 2007