Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Environment

13 July 2004

Project Appraisal: Regeneration of Older Urban Areas Programme - St Mary's Church, Alverstoke

Report of the Director of Environment

Item 8

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

REGENERATION OF OLDER URBAN AREAS PROGRAMME -ST MARY'S CHURCH, ALVERSTOKE

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

SEPTEMBER 2004

COMPLETION DATE:

NOVEMBER 2004

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2004/05

1.

FINANCE (Client Department, Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services [Estates Practice] and County Treasurer)

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at 2004

(at 2004

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

-

-

Construction

65

65

Fees

-

-

65

65

Less developers/

other contributions

65

65

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

65

(b) Other

65

2.

From other resources

(a)

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

65

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

nil

nil

Capital charges

nil

nil

TOTAL net expenditure

nil

nil

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

St. Mary's, Alverstoke is a landmark building in Gosport. Located in a prominent position in the Alverstoke Village Conservation Area, this listed building dominates the local scene and can be seen from many miles around. A location plan is attached.

The restoration of the main footpath to the church, boundary wall and railings is a local initiative led by members of St Mary's Church and the community, and has been inspired in part by the success of previous investment in this area by the ROUA programme. The church has a long term improvement programme for the churchyard that includes restoration of architecturally important tombs.

The proposals for the restoration of the footpath, boundary wall and railings have been prepared by conservation architects to ensure that the design is as historically accurate as possible and respects the existing fabric. The design is based on physical and photographic evidence of the churchyard and the original railings that were removed during World War II.

3.

IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

The improvements to St Mary's Church, Alverstoke meet the aims of the County Council's ROUA Programme, contribute to the enhancement of the conservation area and improve the setting of a Grade 2* Listed Building.

The improvements also continue the previous investment of the ROUA programme in this area.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

The proposed restoration scheme will include:

(i) restoring historic brick and rubble stone walling;

(ii) replacing concrete and perished stone coping units with new stone pieces to suit;

(iii) erecting new railings and two gates to the boundary - all metalwork will be left painted; and

(iv) providing new gravel dressed surface to the main churchyard path.

A detailed plan of the proposals will be displayed at the meeting.

Environmental Impact

The scheme will make high quality improvements to the streetscape within the Conservation Area. All construction materials will be selected for their quality and long-life, cutting down on replacement costs.

Land Requirements

No land acquisition required. All works to be confined within the ownership of the church which has formally given its consent.

Statutory Procedures

Planning permission has been granted. Discussions are taking place with the Portsmouth Diocese about approval of details for preparation of the metalwork and fixing of pales. Diocesan approval will be required before works can commence.

Public Consultation

Public consultation on the principle of restoration of railings to the boundary was undertaken in October 2002. Further consultation will take place before implementation to advertise the final proposals and timetable for work.

Local Members' Views

The local Members, Councillors Chegwyn and Geddes, support the approach. Further consultation on the details will be undertaken following conclusion of discussions with the Diocese of Portsmouth.

Equalities

The needs of disabled people have been taken into account in the preparation of the detailed design. However, no special facilities are thought to be required as part of the restoration project.

Maintenance Implications

The completed scheme will be maintained by the church as part of its ongoing commitment to the upkeep of the churchyard and setting to the building.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

The restoration of the boundary wall and railings will increase the sense of safety of those using the church grounds and enhance security of the building.

Sustainability

The scheme will improve the setting of an important Listed Building and the Conservation Area generally.

4.

IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

Alternative designs and finishes for the railings have been considered, however these were not thought to provide the required level of local distinctiveness or historical accuracy demanded by the special nature of this location.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1.

Published works.

2.

Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE

LOCATION

Project File

Environment Department

Room 112