Casework

The Lutyens Trust, through its architectural advisers Russell Morris and Stuart Martin and its adviser in Normandy Michael Barker, are reviewing the following development applications:

Amport House, Andover, Hampshire (update – no change): Proposals to convert the property to a boutique hotel. We are not aware of any Lutyens work within the house, but the main entrance gateway and the formal garden design are his. The proposals are generally supported, subject to some reservations. Comments have been made to the local planning authority. The Hampshire Garden Trust has given advice and is supportive.

Reference: Test Valley: 21/02304/FULLN &. 21/02305/LBWN

Status: The application was submitted 3 August 2021, but a decision is still awaited.

Littlecroft, 21 Guildown Road, Guildford, Surrey (update): A small house built on a slope descending steeply from the road and with the front door on the upper floor. It features Varengeville oriel windows. An application to alter the interior and build a lightly attached wing was refused on 4 January 2022 although the scheme had been revised to accord with the comments of the Lutyens Trust.

A revised application was submitted omitting the extension. A no objection response was submitted on behalf of the Lutyens Trust. This proposal was refused 27 September because Guildford Borough was concerned about the proposed removal of a cypresses tree and the erection of an oak fence and gate between the house and garage. That application has again been resubmitted without these elements.

Status: LBC 22/P/01662 submitted 28 September 2022

GRANTED 23 November 2022

Esher Place

This late 19th century house is not by Lutyens, but its grounds include a Lutyens amphitheatre.  There is also a sunken garden by Lutyens now within the grounds of a nearby later house.  Recent proposals to convert Esher Place into flats, and build further houses within the grounds, were refused by Elmbridge Borough Council and further rejected at appeal in November 2022.  The Inspector’s reports indicate that he was aware of Lutyens’s contributions to the grounds.  We have not studied the rejected proposals, so are unaware how the amphitheatre would have been affected.  However, since the application were not approved, there is no immediate concern – but we need to watch for further proposals.

Status: Refused.  Appeals dismissed 10 November 2022

Marvells, Five Ashes, East Sussex (update – no change): Enquiry from a design company commissioned to work on this house.  The house has suffered some intrusive alteration in the past, and the present proposal would further compromise the significance of Lutyens’s work.  We proposed an alternative approach, which the designers were to present to their clients. No response yet received.  No listed building/planning application has been submitted.

The Hollies, Munstead

A small semi-detached cottage built as staff accommodation for Munstead Wood.  It has had a rather poor re-roofing, and a utilitarian single storey extension to the rear.  A poor quality garage and shed alongside intrude on the setting.

The current proposal is to further extend and improve the single storey extension, replace the adjacent outbuildings and construct a summerhouse/home office at the end of the garden.

An alternative design approach has been proposed on behalf of the Lutyens Trust.  The applicant has proposed a redesigned scheme. The proposal has yet to be determined.

Reference: Waverley: WA/2022/02641 & WA/2022)02545

Status: The applications were submitted 19 October 2022.

A decision is awaited.

Berrydown Court, Overton: A large slurry pit is proposed some 230m from the house, within 200m of its formal garden and only about 45m from the wider parkland setting. Despite the grade I listed status of the house and also its garden walls and gatehouse, no Heritage Statement has been submitted. Whilst direct inter-visibility  is limited, there is a concern about smells and other nuisance compromising the setting of Berrydown Court.

Reference: Basingstoke and Deane: 23/00151/FUL

Status: Current

Millmead, Bramley: Recently sold.  A listed building application has been submitted.  This concerns mainly repair, and upgrading bathrooms, removal of modern parquet floor, demolition of modern attached garage and a new kitchen window.  The proposals are generally welcome, but the new kitchen window is shown to be 24mm sealed unit double glazing with stuck-on lead strips. It might be a precedent for upgrading all other windows in this or other Waverley houses.  Secondary glazing, which is readily reversible, would be acceptable.  Comments have been submitted to Waverley.

Reference: Waverley Borough Council WA/2023/00290

Status: Current

Land adjacent to Millmead, Bramley: A proposal to build a house on a backland site adjacent to the garden of Millmead was refused in 2022.  The applicants have appealed the decision and the matter is currently with the Planning Inspectorate and being dealt with by written representations.  Stuart Martin objected to the original proposal on behalf of the Lutyens Trust.  His comments have been forwarded to the Inspector.

Reference: The site is Old Shortlands, Snowdenham Lane, Bramley.  WA/2022/00108

Status: Appeal dismissed, 15/5/2023

The following buildings are, or were recently, for sale and may generate future proposals:

Munstead Wood:  The house is grade I listed with a registered grade l garden.  It has been purchased by the National Trust.

Fig Tree Court, Crooksbury: Currently for sale with Hamptons.  Fig Tree Court is the 1898 wing added by Lutyens to his first major country house.  He was called back again in 1914 to remodel the garden front.  Crooksbury is now divided into two, with a third dwelling formed in the 1910 stables.