| Abstract: |
A volume of fifteen papers presented at three sessions during a one day conference organised by The Historic Farm Buildings Group in association with the Rural Development Commission, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and English Heritage. The `Foreword' by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales (5), `Editorial' (6) and `Introductory remarks' by R Brunskill (7) set the scene for the first session. The first paper, entitled `Old farm buildings, the background' by Nigel Harvey (8--9), outlines the problems currently faced by those who would conserve farm buildings, whilst `Farm buildings, the architectural achievement' by John Sell (10--11) points up the variety in style, material and adaptation that can be found in this architectural sub-group. The `Address to the conference by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales' (12--14) makes a plea for more sensitive handling of farm building conversion designs, particularly during the introduction of domestic architectural features such as chimneys and windows. This is followed by `Farm buildings as history' by Susanna Wade Martins (15--17) which illustrates how farm buildings reflect their community and landscape, calling for increased awareness of their historical value amongst owners, architects and planners. `Small is beautiful too # the Welsh dimension' by Eurwyn Wiliam (18-20) highlights the aesthetic and historical importance of farm buildings in the Welsh landscape. There is then a short `Discussion on issues raised in session one' (21--2). Section two opens with `Old farm buildings in modern agriculture' where Brian Mclaughlin (23--4) presents an `agricultural perspective' covering practical options open to the farm building owner. `Old farm buildings, a headache for the landowner?' by Lord Coke (25--6) illustrates how old farm buildings can remain useful on a modern farm. `Old farm buildings and the Government's agricultural policy' by Frances Campbell (27--9) covers appropriate grant schemes and details the role of the Agricultural Development Advisory Service (ADAS). `Acceptable re-use, the English Heritage view' by Malcolm Airs (30--1) outlines the organisation's role in and view of the preservation and conversion of farm buildings. `New industries in old farm buildings' by Martin Ritchie (32--4) discusses a number of commercial and industrial uses for old farm buildings. `The economics of re-use' by Stephen Bond (35--6) considers the financial aspects of old farm building conversion, particularly where the nature of re-use is non-residential. Once again the section is rounded off with a brief `Discussion of the issues raised in session two' (37--8). The final session started off with `Farm buildings, conversion in practice' by Carole Ryan (39--42) which considers both physical and ambient aspects associated with farm buildings that can be lost during conversion, along with ways in which this might be avoided. `Old farm buildings and the planner; the Peak District example' by Michael Dower (43--5) illustrates the ways in which buildings in this locality are saved from neglect by providing support for the farming community, giving informed advice, providing grants, converting (and thus preserving) buildings for use by the planning authority and by keeping up strict development controls. Finally `Old farm buildings: repair and maintenance' by Susan Denyer (46--8) points out that it is not sufficient to preserve a static heritage. Whilst in use these buildings were adapted and reflected the activities of those working and living around them. Repairs and developments should also take account of the traditional building methods originally employed. IH |
