Site Event/Activity record ECH6495 - Heritage Assessment for a proposed development at Barrow Farm, Kenyon Lane

An application is being submitted to Warrington Borough Council for the demolition of modern steel-frame agricultural outbuildings at the site; conversion of a brick-built Dutch barn to form two residential dwellings; and construction of two detached garages to serve these dwellings. The heritage issue arising is the proposal’s impact upon the setting of the listed building. The scope and purpose of this report is to identify the significance of the listed building and that of its setting, and to assess the proposal’s effect upon this significance. As examined in this report, the significance of Barrow Farmhouse derives from its special interest as a three-storey brick farmhouse of yeoman status that dates probably from circa 1700, and is thus an early example of a centralised, double-depth plan. In terms of its setting, the building occupies a prominent location on Kenyon Lane, where it is read in the context of its original farmyard surroundings. The majority of the outbuildings however do not contribute positively to this setting, as they are mid-late 20th century structures of austerity construction. As the only surviving original farm building, the Dutch barn is most significant of all the outbuildings, and hence shares group value with the farmhouse. However its significance is compromised by the fact that it is swamped by the mid-late 20th century outbuildings. These are of no architectural merit and possess no historic interest other than to document the modern development of the farmstead. Hence they do not make a positive contribution to the setting of the listed building, and furthermore detract from the role of the Dutch barn as the principal historic farm building. Their significance is therefore negligible. The loss of the steel-framed outbuildings will not be adverse, given their negligible significance. Their removal will reinstate the original open character of the farmyard, and the predominance within it of the Dutch barn. This will be especially seen in public views from Kenyon Lane, in which the views of the barn will be enhanced. The conversion of the barn will secure its future by returning it to a viable use, and hence preserve both its intrinsic qualities and its group value with the listed farmhouse. The design approach – a combination of traditional and contemporary elements – will sustain its agricultural character and allow its original function to remain legible. The proposed garages are of corrugated and timber cladding to match the agricultural character of the site and via their scale and appearance are entirely subservient to the barn and the farmhouse. In summary, it is considered that the scheme will enhance the setting of the listed farmhouse.