The Victorian Society is extremely disappointed that, despite its strong objection, Chichester District Council has approved the demolition of a house designed by a significant Victorian architect in a conservation area.
Photo: Apuldram house. Photo Copyright: Jackson Stops
Apuldram House sits in the Dell Quay Conservation Area and was built in 1900-2 by the important late Gothic Revival architect Temple Moore for Revd R. H. Meredyth Baker. Temple Moore was noted particularly for his ecclesiastical work. His buildings often display an expert handling of complex form coupled with refined architectural detail. Several of his ecclesiastical buildings are listed at Grade II*. The Society asked Historic England to list the building, but its request was refused.
The National Planning Policy Framework makes a presumption against the loss of non-designated heritage assets. Yet Chichester District Council has approved the destruction of a building of considerable architectural and historic significance by a leading architect of the Gothic Revival despite the appeals of the The Victorian Society and other heritage organisations. The Council accepted the owner’s bizarre argument that a replacement house would be less intrusive in the conservation area. Yet Temple Moore’s house existed before the designation of the conservation area and the house is a distinctive landmark at Dell Quay which has been cherished precisely for its distinctive quality and position looking out to sea. The Victorian Society appeals to Apuldram House’s owner to consider selling the house and buying a blank plot instead. A new buyer might step forward who would wish to retain and cherish this distinctive landmark, designed by a leading architect, rather than wastefully razing it to the ground.
The planning reference is 22/03196/FUL
25/01/2024
The planning reference is 22/03196/FUL
25/01/2024
