Project Name: 20 East Downs Road, Bowden

Type of Project: Historic Context Appraisal, PPG 15 Justification Statement, Public Inquiry

Date: August 2005

Architect: Stephenson Bell

Planner: Drivers Jonas

Special Interest: East Downs Road, where Bates House is located, has many characteristics of Victorian Bowden; it is a tree-lined, spacious street, with large Victorian houses surrounded by generous gardens. The area is surrounded by original or earlier houses, constructed during the Victorian era or prior to World War II.

Scope of Professional Services:
Heritage Architecture Ltd were commissioned to undertake the following:

• HISTORIC CONTEXT APPRAISAL: Research was undertaken in order to assess the development of Bates House and its historical context. An assessment of the character of the Bowden Conservation Area was informed by a ground level appraisal of the contextual relationship of buildings and vistas.

• PPG 15 JUSTIFICATION STATEMENT: Heritage Architecture Ltd formulated the PPG 15 justification statement for the demolition of the unlisted Bates House and appraised the proposed replacement building and the impact on the character of the Bowden Conservation Area and the listed buildings within the vicinity. Our statement encompassed the tests required to satisfy PPG 15, along with a description of the building, assessment of special architectural/historic interest, condition, and the contribution made by Bates House to the character and appearance of the Bowden Conservation Area.
  
  
• PUBLIC INQUIRY: Heritage Architecture Ltd prepared appeal and rebuttal statements and proofs of evidence in respect of matters associated with the appeal against the refusal by Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council to grant Conservation Area Consent for the demolition of the unlisted house located at 20 East Downs Road within the Bowden Conservation Area, and refusal of planning permission for its replacement with a new house of contemporary design.