SNN114610 - Boundary Wall, Manor House Close, NN6 0EN: Heritage Statement

David Smith Associates has commissioned Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) to produce a Statement of Significance in support of works at Boundary Wall Manor House Close, Earls Barton, NN6 0EN, Northamptonshire. The scheme comprises the demolition and rebuilding of a listed historic wall and the reduction of the ground level to the north of the wall. The proposed scheme was developed as a result of the Building Control Department inspection, which concluded that the wall, facing the public realm, was sufficiently unsafe to call it a dangerous structure. As a consequence, it was established that the only option to remove the risk to the public and preserve the historic significance of the asset is to demolish and rebuild it using the salvaged bricks and stone resulting from its demolition. The intervention, although necessary, will cause 'substantial' harm to the significance of the asset, however it will also significantly expand the structure's lifespan and improve its safety. Additionally, the scheme will have a positive impact on the visual appearance of the asset, which will also positively impact the nearby listed buildings and townscape of Earls Barton CA. The proposed scheme will also restore the historic function of the boundary wall, which is currently functioning as a retaining wall. Following an assessment of the intervention, it was concluded that, in policy terms, the works would cause 'substantial' harm to the significance of the Boundary Wall. However, such harm would be outweighed by the public benefits improved public safety, extending the lifespan of the structure, improving aesthetics and safety, and restoring the wall's historic function.