English Heritage Gives Its Verdict On Plas Wilmot

[nigtin]

“The applicant believes that the granting of planning permission for the construction of seven properties in proximity to Plas Wilmot, the birthplace of Wilfred Owen will have an adverse effect on its setting.

“Few places have as firm a place in his life as Plas Wilmot, and although he did not ,on his own admission, start to write poetry until he was ten years old it is clearly a place which meant most to him from the period when his imagination was being formed.

“A significant quantity of the house as it would have been in known to Owen and his family survives, despite further later additions.

“Although the house has undergone alteration it would be recognizable to the family today as the home which they loved.

“The degree of intact survival of the house from the period when he knew it and the influence that Plas Wilmot clearly had on his formative years.

“He lived at the house which was owned by his grandparents, for the early years of his childhood and it’s influence on his later life is well attested by members of his family and his biographers.”

English Heritage 2012 Advice/Notification Report 17^th September 2012 Plas Wilmot Case:470925

[Plas Wilmot has been awarded Listed Building Status (Grade 2) ]

[MichaelBully]

Interesting Nigel, what are the implications of this decision ? How much clout do English Heritage actually have ? I am not doubting that they are a much respected body, but can they stop the building project as it were?

Regards- and pleased that you have got this decision on your side so to speak.

Michael Bully

[Ron Clifton]

The actual decision will be made by the District Council. English Heritage and other conservationist/heitage groups can make representations and the Grade II listed status (the lowest category, incidentally) will carry weight, but they cannot veto the application.

Even if the Council refuse the application, the developers can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate who may allow it.

Ron

[MichaelBully]

Thanks for the information Ron. Regards

[nigtin]

Outline planning permission for the orchard and paddock had already been granted before the main group of buildings was given listed status, so the answer, in strict terms, is that it can have no effect. Moreover, as Ron points out there are nearly half a million listed buildings and over 92% are in Grade II. However, the conclusions reached by English Heritage and set out in its report do present a very positive view of Plas Wilmot.

I understnd that two or three years ago the owners asked the the WOA, the local civic society and the local Council whether anything could be done to ensure a dignified survival for Owen's birthplace. It was apparent at that time that nothing could be done. I wonder if they would get the same answer today.

[MichaelBully]

Nigel, Have you asked the Wifred Owen Association to reconsider their position in the light of the English Heritage decision? Regards, Michael Bully

Outline planning permission for the orchard and paddock had already been granted before the main group of buildings was given listed status, so the answer, in strict terms, is that it can have no effect. Moreover, as Ron points out there are nearly half a million listed buildings and over 92% are in Grade II. However, the conclusions reached by English Heritage and set out in its report do present a very positive view of Plas Wilmot.

I understnd that two or three years ago the owners asked the the WOA, the local civic society and the local Council whether anything could be done to ensure a dignified survival for Owen's birthplace. It was apparent at that time that nothing could be done. I wonder if they would get the same answer today.

[nigtin]

Yes.