Garden conservation
AGT response to EH draft guidance on temporary structures for events
The Association of Gardens Trust
President: Mrs Gilly Drummond OBE DL
Registered Office: 70 Cowcross Street, London, EC1M 6EJ
Tel and Fax: 020 7251 2610
E-mail address: gardenstrusts@btconnect.com
Web site: www.gardenstrusts.org.uk
Temporary Structures
GHEU, English Heritage
1 Waterhouse Square
138-142 Holborn
London EC1N 2ST
20 June 2009
Dear Sirs,
Re Consultation on Guidance on Temporary Structures for Events
This Association is the national association supporting the activities of the 35 county gardens trusts in England. County gardens trusts (CGTs) undertake research into and the conservation of many historic parks and gardens in consultation with their local authority. In fact many of these local trusts provide support to the officers of the local authorities in undertaking their statutory activities.
We have read the Draft guidance on temporary structures for events and examined its guidance in relation the activities of our local Gardens Trusts. In particular we appreciate the necessity of the owners of historic parks and gardens (whether private or corporate) making their property available for events in order to achieve an income to maintain the grounds. Within this need we believe that the draft guidance provides a good level of advice to local planning authorities to ensure that the proposed structures and events do not destroy the historic heritage and that any temporary physical impact is removed after the event.
Our major concern is that the definition of historic parks and gardens (see paragraph 7.2.6) refers only to the Registered Parks and Gardens as defined in PPG 15 ie. The English Heritage Register. As you are aware many of the County Gardens Trusts have researched and reported on many other historic parks and gardens in order to assist the local planning authority in their development control duties. In addition much of this research is now contained in the national UK Parks and Gardens Database. We therefore consider that the following words be inserted “paragraph 2.24) and other historic parks and gardens of regional and local significance and ……” This will enable more of the historic heritage to be safeguarded.
Yours faithfully,
Tony Hurrell MCD., B.Arch.,(L’pool)., MRTPI
AGT Conservation Group
