Archived decisions

Hampshire County Council

Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage Item 2

17 May 2007

Consolidation and improvements to access: King John's Castle,

Odiham

Report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage

1

Summary

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

Odiham Castle, also known locally as King John's Castle, is part of a Scheduled Monument (No. 24326 , County No. 13).

The castle, and the immediately surrounding land bordered by a moat, is owned by the County Council. It is located within a planning Conservation Area (Hart District), and is immediately adjacent to the Basingstoke Canal which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

In 2003 a successful bid was made to the HLF for support to consolidate the castle and improve access. The first phase involved survey, scoping solutions, and costing to inform the second phase bid.

Works are proposed to arrest the physical decline of the castle walls, provide better and safer access to the grounds and the internal part of the castle, to improve the access by canal boat, and to provide interpretation and education opportunities in the grounds and locally.

1.5

The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services has progressed the design of the proposed building works, and gained Scheduled Monument consent from English Heritage. The Director of Recreation and Heritage has progressed the design of access and interpretation and the proposed canal works, working with Odiham Parish Council and the Basingstoke Canal Authority. The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bid has been progressed and approval was obtained in March 2006. The purpose of this report is to confirm the final scope of the project and seek approval of this , the funding and the project appraisal contained in this report.

1.6

The proposed scheme will enhance the quality of place, maximise well-being and improve safety for users of the facility.

2

Recommendation

2.1

That the project outlined in this report, costing £490,000, of which £60,000 will be provided from Recreation and Heritage funds, be supported by the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage.

3

Finance and programme

Project costs

Phase of work

Build cost £000

Fee £000

Total £000

Building works

238

37

275

Canal and interpretation

102

Included in costs

102

Other costs

113

Included in costs

113

Total

453

37

490

Funding

£000

Heritage Lottery Fund

382

Recreation and Heritage

60

HCC Landlord contribution

36

Other grants or donations

11

Non-cash contribution

1

Total

490

3.1

County Council Funding

The Recreation and Heritage contribution is £60,000 of which £30,000 has already been allocated, and the remaining £30,000 will be identified from existing Countryside resources.

The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services has undertaken an assessment of the condition of the monument and a landlord contribution as identified above is proposed towards the repair and consolidation of the building fabric.

3.2

Programme

The building contract is currently being tendered and following the appointment of the successful contractor, it is anticipated that the works will commence on site in June 2007 and be complete by October 2007.

3.3

The works to the canal are being finalised by the Basingstoke Canal Authority and it is anticipated that these work will commence in the summer.

4

4.1

Location/ adjoining land and buildings:

Odiham Castle, also known locally as King John's Castle, is part of a Scheduled Monument (No. 24326 , County No. 13).

4.2

The castle, and the immediately surrounding land bordered by a moat, is owned by the County Council. It is located within a planning Conservation Area (Hart District), and is immediately adjacent to the Basingstoke Canal which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

4.3

Access

Public access to the site can only be gained along the towpath adjacent to the Basingstoke Canal. The nearest road is approximately 500m away.

4.4

Trial holes

Trial holes are not considered necessary for the type of work proposed.

4.5

Main services

The site is not served by any mains services.

5

Scope of the Project

5.1

5.2

5.3

5.4

Works are proposed to arrest the physical decline of the castle walls, provide better and safer access to the grounds and the internal part of the castle, to improve the access by canal boat, and to provide interpretation and education opportunities in the grounds and locally.

A fuller description of the project is detailed in Appendices 1 (drawing 4380-200) and 2 (report to Odiham Society), and is summarised as follows:

Building works:

· Repair of flint core with matching materials to arrest the decline of the castle structure

· Infill the central floor space to protect remaining ashlar facing and facilitate easy access

· Install central concrete pad, mirroring the outline of the walls, to allow safe viewing of the interior

· Install metal grilles, fencing, and overhead protection to control and protect access

· Install pedestrian ramp with rammed stone to allow easy access across the moat from the canal towpath

Canal and other works

· Provide on-site interpretation boards

· Provide educational materials and events

· Improve the wharfing and towpath access on the canal

6

Proposed Building Works

6.1

Construction, finish and appearance

All that remains of the castle is the stone and flint rubble core-work with some ashlar facings at low levels. This will be repaired and consolidated in agreement with English Heritage.

6.2

Heating and ventilation systems

There are no heating or ventilation systems.

6.3

Fire risk assessment

A fire risk assessment was not required due to the nature of the monument.

6.4

Health and safety

Falling masonry from the rubble walls has resulted in the monument being fenced off and closed to the public. The repair works will involve consolidation of the core work but further measures are being taken to keep visitors away from the perimeter of the building. These include:

- planting of a dense hedge around the external perimeter

- construction of an internal platform with railings set back from the internal faces of the walls

- installation of grilles in the former window openings to prevent access

- installation of a protective canopy at the entrance point to the monument

A designer's risk assessment and a design health and safety plan, in accordance with Regulation 15 of the Construction Design and Management Regulations 1994, have been undertaken for the proposed scheme.

6.5

Car parking

There is no existing car park and it is not possible to provide any parking.

6.6

Landscape proposals

A new bound hoggin path will be provided around the perimeter of the monument to provide access from the canal towpath.

6.7

Situation on site and environmental impact

The proposed works will have no impact on the surrounding environment but will reduce the rate of decay of the historic building fabric.

7

Works to the Canal and Other Works

7.1

Works to the Basingstoke Canal

Improvement works are proposed to the canal to include better wharfing facilities at the castle site and to dredge the bottom of the canal. This will provide better access to the castle by canal boat. The towpath will be improved, and specialist marginal landscaping will improve the biodiversity of the canal.

7.2

Interpretation

New seating and interpretation will be installed around the site.

8

Planning

8.1

Scheduled Monument Consent for the works is required and has been obtained. No other planning consents are therefore required.

9

Building management

9.1

Regular inspection of the monument will be necessary in the future and a reactive maintenance regime established.

10

Furniture and equipment

10.1

The project includes for provision of interpretation panels and seating as noted above.

11

Professional resources

11.1

Architectural services -PBR&S

Quantity Surveying -PBR&S

Structural engineering -PBR&S

Interpretation specialist -R&H

12

Consultation with Local Member

12.1

Councillor Leversha was instrumental with the formulation of the early phases of the project including Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the lottery bid, and has since changed her constituency. Councillor Glenn is now the local Member for this area and he is aware of the project.

LINK(S) TO CORPORATE STRATEGY

Yes

No

Hampshire safer and more secure for all

_

Maximising well-being

_

Enhancing our quality of place

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