Lodge demolition and artwork at South Lodge Preston Park, Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees

“SITE AND SURROUNDINGS 4. The applications site, South Lodge sits to the east of Yarm Road within the grounds of and directly adjacent to the main entrance into Preston Park, a grade II listed building. It is understood South Lodge was built in the 1930’s and replaced an earlier Lodge which stood at the entrance gates.”

“To the west and north of South Lodge is a dense belt of woodland and associated earthworks to the original Stockton and Darlington Railway. These form a scheduled ancient monument which is broken into two parts, north and south of South Lodge, with the area of South Lodge and its surroundings falling outside of the Scheduled Monument.”

“This document was classified as: OFFICIAL BACKGROUND 1. Throughout the wider Preston Park site, there are currently wider improvement works being undertaken to various assets within the park. These include through the extension to the museum building and extension/alterations to south car park, new landscaping, substation, and other associated works (Ref: 23/1340/LA & 23/1341/LBC); improvement works to the Cafe Tees building through the erection of a single storey extension…”

“Currently there is a counterpart full planning application which is pending consideration Demolition of existing lodge, erection of metal structure, artwork, hard and soft landscaping and other associated works. (Ref: 25/0086/LA).”

“The proposed development would incur the loss of a curtilage listed building. It is considered that South Lodge is of low architectural importance and its historical significance is derived from its ties to Preston Hall. On balance, its loss is marginally outweighed by mitigation and public benefits.”

“Overall, it is considered that the development comprises sustainable development, when considered in the context of the NPPF when taken as a whole. Furthermore, whilst the development would result in harm to the setting of the existing Grade II listed Preston Hall, this is considered to be less than substantial, which would be outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme.”

“The Friends generally support the proposals for the site and note the proposed corten/paving representation of a railway track, as displayed at Hopetown. However, the Friends understand that consideration is being given to creating a track installation using oak sleeper blocks and metal rails on the site of the 1825 line as has been successfully achieved elsewhere. This is an option that the Friends would prefer to see implemented.”

“Our pre-application suggestions seem to have been misinterpreted, leading to confusing mitigation proposals such as the archaeological monitoring (which would be carried out during groundworks) informing the foundations of the proposed development. What we would like to see is: ' A demolition methodology, setting out how the extant earthworks associated with the S&DR (both scheduled and in the lodge grounds) are to be protected during the demolition/groundworks.”

“Neighbours were notified and one comment was received;”

“Summary of key considerations made by way of neighbour notification • Implications for the access to North Lodge.”

“RESOLVED that 25/0087/LBC South Lodge, Preston Park, Yarm Road Listed building consent for the demolition of existing lodge, erection of metal structure, artwork, hard and soft landscaping and other associated works be refused for the following reasons:”

“In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, the proposed development through the loss of a curtilage listed building would adversely impact on the heritage asset and subsequently fail to preserve or enhance the character or appearance the grade II listed Preston Hall. No clear and convincing justification has been provided to justify the loss of the heritage asset as required by paragraph 214 of the NPPF.”