Arbury Estate – One of the most iconic and influential locations in Nuneaton
Client
Approach
We undertook a heritage strategy and statement of significance in support of a planning and listed building application for the conversion and extension of the Royal Hotel, a grade II* listed building in Ashby de la Zouch, together with new development within its setting. This necessitated detailed analysis of the significance of the site and its setting, utilising a Conservation Principles based approach as established as best practice by Historic England. We identified the need for a collaborative approach to the project due to the site’s key, town centre location and as such undertook extensive pre-application consultation to keep statutory stakeholders, such as Historic England and the local authority, together with members of the local community fully appraised of the design development process.
Impact
Our work culminated in a comprehensive, National Planning Policy Framework compliant heritage statement of significance to support the planning and listed building applications. This document set out the significance of the site and its context and dealt with the potential impact of the scheme on the multitudinous heritage assets found on site and within its setting, including the hotel itself: a grade II* listed building, Ashby de la Zouch Conservation Area, Ashby Castle: a grade I listed building and scheduled ancient monument and a number of closely located listed buildings. The document allowed us to create of a series of heritage-led design principles resulting from the analysis to inform the design of the site. These principles were utilised to commission the project architect. The resulting design provides a variety of uses across the site in high quality, bespoke buildings which create a new destination for Ashby that respects and enhances its historic environment.
