SNN116659 - The Barn, 22 WEST STREET, KING’S CLIFFE, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE LEVEL 2 HISTORIC BUILDING RECORDING

In April 2024 Independent Archaeology Consultants (IAC) were commissioned by SK Architecture Ltd on behalf of Anna Forgaard to undertake a programme of Historic Building Recording (HBR) upon the grade II listed historic outbuilding to the rear 22 and 20 West Street, King’s Cliffe, Northamptonshire. Listed Building and Planning consent has been granted for restoration works to the outbuilding (hereafter ‘the Barn’), including a new roof, rebuilding of deteriorating walls, and the making good of the existing interior, windows and doors of the property (ref: NE/21/01441/FUL). Pre-application advice from the archaeological officer at North Northamptonshire Council led to a condition being attached to the planning consent requiring a full programme of archaeological works and post excavation reporting. The requirements for the archaeological investigation were set out in a Brief produced by the heritage officer at North Northamptonshire Council. In response to this Brief IAC produced a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) for a Level 2 HBR which was duly approved by the LPA before the HBR survey began. This WSI described the scope of the survey and outlined how the survey should not just cover the barn structure but also place it in its wider context, plus also describe and illustrate its different phases through time.The results from the HBR survey and post-excavation assessment have shown how the modern western façade of the barns were completely removed during the early 1970s. This extensive refurbishment removed some of the evidential value of the building. That aside, the majority of the 17th Century historic fabric of the building does still survive intact across the north, south and east sides, complete with original light stone mullion windows, which add to its aesthetic value. The vernacular appearance of the building means it contributes to the historic setting of the conservation area and enhances how the conservation area is appreciated. The requirement to preserve and enhance the special character of the listed building and the designated Kings Cliffe Conservation Area is in accordance with policy 2 (b) of the North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy.This historic building has high evidential value given its medieval origin and 17th century walls. It has the potential to yield evidence of past fabric and construction methods. The LPA heritage advisors have indicated during pre-application advice that further stages of monitoring and recording during the removal of the deteriorating walls would be appropriate. Following the assessment undertaken for this HBR it is recommended that further stages of monitoring and recording during the demolition of the north and south walls are put in place to ensure the planning condition 5 can be fully discharged.