The Boathouse, Goring
The Boathouse, Goring
These late 19th-century boathouses had been converted to domestic use during the 20th century but were the subject of a devasting fire in 2018. Prior to AHC’s involvement, a pre-application submission had identified the need to rebuild the dwelling, which was located within a conservation area, on a ‘like for like’ basis.
AHC were approached by the owner to advise on the most appropriate means to replace the condemned building. We prepared a detailed Heritage Statement that, making reference to relevant published guidance, argued that the building had been extensively altered over several phases prior to the fire and that a ‘like for like’ rebuild would not be desirable from a heritage point of view. We analysed the characteristics of the former building that made a ‘positive’ contribution to the conservation area and advised on the development of an appropriate replacement scheme. When this had been finalised, Asset provided a reasoned heritage justification for the proposals.
The scheme was granted planning permission in 2019, with the Council accepting Asset’s heritage arguments against a ‘like for like’ rebuild and in favour of the proposed replacement scheme.