Chairman's Jottings - TrustNews Dec 12
As I am sure most of you are aware, Cala Homes’ outline planning application for 2000 homes at Barton Farm has recently received approval by the Secretary of State. There are a large number of conditions attached and of course the proposals have to move on from outline to a full application. It would be good to think that such a large scheme at least demonstrates imagination and a design that provides a sense of place and enjoyment and not the usual car dominated suburban sprawl. Read more on this elsewhere in this issue.
The Winchester Trust has for some time now been accumulating an archive which has acquired some interesting information including a range of photographs spread over much of the 20th Century. The archive was started by Rosemary Kinnaird Smith, a professional archivist, and has been enhanced and enlarged by Nick Hirst over recent years. Nick Hirst and Barry Brinkman have spent countless hours arranging much of the information for viewing on the Trust web site, so it is available for members to enjoy. Both Nick and Barry deserve our thanks for this not inconsiderable task and I recommend that you spend an interesting time scrolling through the web site.
Conservation–what exactly does this mean? The dictionary definition is ‘preservation and repair of archaeological, historical and cultural sites and artefacts – and careful use of a resource’. Whilst this is fine for ‘artefacts’, it is inappropriate for living buildings and their surroundings, where the definition should allow for the expert and sensitive management of change. So conservation officers are appointed by local authorities to apply their expertise as guardians of our historical buildings and the environment in which they are situated. They provide guidance to those who wish to alter or restore a listed building or an area identified as a conservation area. Restoration often means a change of use or changes within a building which can lead to conflict between the owner’s or developer’s interests and conservation issues. If a great deal of money is going to be poured into the work then it is only right that the owner benefits from the investment. This should be considered as part of the conservation process. Of course, restoration should still be a sensitive consideration and seen as a positive contribution to a town or city.
Besides, most buildings and building uses have evolved through history, meeting the needs of their time and adding to their historic interest, so why is it that some conservationists wish to artificially preserve a living building exactly as it is, thereby threatening the continued life of that building? In my opinion conservation issues should be administered with imagination, a positive attitude aiming at an end result that provides a contribution to the well being of the building and the town or city in which that building is situated.
The other day I happened to notice a quotation from the past, which still seems applicable today: ‘Only by supporting such societies as the CPRE and SPAB (and in our case the Trust), and keeping them informed, can we hope to preserve places we like against soulless theorists in county councils and state departments. Such societies can find architects who will look at a property with the idea of preserving it or by making it habitable instead of destroying it.’
We were all very sorry to hear that Jo Gordon-Watson had to be taken into hospital last week as an emergency case. We understand Jo is now improving after an operation. As many of you know, Jo has been a tower of strength to the Trust over the years, having taken responsibility for our bookstall on occasions throughout the years and our Christmas cards which she organises at the charity sale in the Guildhall. We wish her a speedy and full recovery.
I am glad to welcome our new secretary, Mollie Francis. Mollie is standing in for Vicky Feldwick who has taken maternity leave. I have just heard that Matthew and Vicky are delighted to announce the arrival of their son, born on Tuesday 6th November at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, weighing in at 6 pounds, 4 ounces.
We recently entertained the Chichester Conservation Area Advisory Committee and introduced them to Winchester with a talk and presentation showing new insertions within the historic background. Patrick Davis informed them about our work on monitoring and contributing to the planning policy ongoing debate, followed by Alison Davidson, Head of Historic Environment, who outlined her work in protecting the historic fabric and the Winchester environs. This all took place in the morning and in the afternoon Chris Turner, Winchester BID chairman, gave an excellent talk on the contribution his organisation is making to the commercial viability of Winchester’s commercial sector. The day was rounded off by Robin Freeman walking around parts of Winchester ending up at Winchester Station for the Chichester delegates to return home. An intensive, but rewarding day, and my thanks go to Vicky for organising this and to the contributors for giving so generously of their time and expertise.
Lastly we have decided to update the very out-dated electrical system in the Heritage Centre. This entails new lighting, wiring and power sockets. Unfortunately it will leave some unsightly scars, so some redecoration will also be required, not untimely. We will also be considering the outside of the building as it is time some maintenance and redecoration work is done here as well. This is to be carried out next spring..