| Abstract: |
Saxmundham Station is located in Station Approach, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 1BW (centred at NGR: TM 38525 63161). The station building is located within Saxmundham Conservation Area and is in proximity to several listed buildings, fifteen of which are discussed in this Heritage Statement as having the potential to be impacted by scheme.
This Heritage Statement will focus on the impact of the proposed scheme on the station building itself but will also consider the potential impact on surrounding heritage assets. The character of the conservation area and key views within it, and the settings of surrounding listed buildings and non-designated heritage assets are given particular consideration.
The study area for this Heritage Statement subsequently comprises the station building itself,
neighbouring listed buildings and non-designated assets and the northern part of the
conservation area closest to the station.
A number of resources were consulted in the production of this heritage statement, including:
● The Suffolk Historic Environment Record (HER);
● The National Heritage List for England (NHLE);
● Local, regional and national planning policies relating to the historic environment. This
includes conservation area appraisals and management plans;
● An examination of historic cartographic evidence for land use of the site; and
● An assessment of available relevant online historical sources. This Heritage Statement has assessed the impact the updated proposed
refurbishment scheme at Saxmundham Station would have on the historic environment. The
revised proposed scheme allows for more of the original fabric of the building to be retained.
Saxmundham Station building is a non-designated heritage asset. The proposed scheme would restore the remaining ground floor of Saxmundham Station to a working railway building, formed of a passenger waiting room and two operational areas. The building would be one storey and feature refurbishment of much of the remaining historic fabric as well as some modern additions.
This Heritage Statement has found that the proposed scheme would have a positive impact on
Saxmundham Station. Although some interior historic fabric would be lost and the internal layout would lose some legibility, this would be minimal and outweighed by the proposed retention and refurbishment of much of the station’s historic fabric. The proposed designs are sympathetic to the character of the building and setting. Using the building for railway purposes would not only ensure a sustainable and viable use of the asset in accordance with local and national policy, but will also enhance the historical and communal value of the asset as it will return to its original and intended use. Overall, this would enhance the heritage significance of the asset.
The proposed scheme would have either a positive or neutral impact on the surrounding
heritage assets. The proposed works would have a positive impact on Saxmundham
Conservation Area, the grade II listed 1-15 Albion Street, The Bell Hotel, Old Bank House and
Market Hall and the non-designated the Railway Public House, Police Station and Park End
Terrace. The sensitive restoration will contribute positively to the mid-19th century character of
the immediately surrounding conservation area. It will also enhance the important view within
the conservation area by improving the appearance of the building through bringing it back into
use creating a more active frontage. The continued use of the station for its intended purpose
would aid in understanding the relationship between historic buildings within the town centre.
The grade II listed 1-15 Albion Street will benefit most from this impact, due to its proximity to
the station, and the non-designated Railway Public House will receive similar advantage. |
