by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Repairs have been agreed to the roof at Kingston Maurward House – despite an objection from Historic England.
The consevation body claimed the materials to be used in the repairs on the main college building would be out of keeping with the structure – and asked for traditional materials and methods to be used.
Historic England said using a synthetic covering to stop leaks would be out of keeping with the historic, listed building, but Dorset Council planners decided the repairs would not be seen and should be allowed to go ahead.
An extra layer of synthetic roofing material has been chosen by the agricultural college, now part of Coastland College, as a cheaper option for re-roofing the 18th century former manor house.
Historic England was also critical of what is currently in place claiming that is also out of keeping with the Grade 1 listed building – although none of the roof can be seen from the ground.
The college has applied for planning consent to Dorset Council to remove the existing coping stones and other features and then reinstated them once a new membrane has been fitted.
According to the application parapets, gutters and other rainwater goods will be repaired, or replaced, in a way which is said to be sympathetic to the original structure, with no changes to the roof pitch, height or structure.
Stinsford Parish Council had voted to support the College application prior to the Historic England statement.
Dorset Council’s conservation officers has also supported the original college proposal although suggested he use of traditional materials in some areas.
An inspection of the roof found the existing covering to be spongey, an indication of water penetration and possible rot, although it is believed the roof structure itself is sound.
Kingston Maurward House is described in the national register of listed properties as “a fine example of a Georgian English country house. Constructed of red brick and later clad in Portland Stone ashlar the house was built in about 1717 for George Pitt, the cousin of William Pitt the Elder, and was altered in 1794 for William Morton Pitt. The interior was remodelled in the early 20th century in an 18th century style.”
