Report - London Borough of Hillingdon

the west is now a possibility in the medium term, this presents a better option than
access solely through the shared courtyard as at present. However, the impact of
the third runway on the viability of the site is impossible to assess.
Planning and Transportation Group
22. The best way of securing the upkeep and maintenance of historic buildings is
generally dependent on them being in active use (PPG15 1994 para 3.8). It is,
therefore, vital that The Barn is put to an appropriate use. As a Scheduled Ancient
Monument and a Grade I Listed Building The Barn will require a sympathetic use
appropriate for such a national monument. Some restriction is likely to occur
because of these designations but this must not hinder the overall approach to
finding an appropriate use. In consultation with English Heritage it is expected that
uses which will limit intervention to the historic fabric will be favourable as well as
those that will help keep the historic context. Any change of use or development of
the site will require Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) Consent, which takes
priority over the Listed Building designation so that Listed Building Consent does not
apply (PPG 15 1994 para 6.34). In addition to the designation of the building, The
Barn is situated in the Green Belt. In accordance with government planning policy
guidance there are restrictions on some use of the buildings. Officers consider that
the following options would not compromise this policy. Use as an agricultural
museum, a display centre and / or an environmental education centre for local
schools are strong possibilities that would meet the Council’s objective of a Borough
of Learning and Culture as well as contributing to the Council’s strategic vision to
retain and improve the character of the Borough. This would also complement the
original context of The Barn. The Upminster Tithe Barn in Havering is an example of
a historic barn being used as a museum of agriculture (officers can provide further
details if required).
23. Members should be aware that one of the current constrains to having a large
volume of visitors to The Barn is the existing limited access and parking. However, it
is understood that if The Barn was to be acquired it may be possible to review the
access and parking arrangements in the medium to long term. Officers are of the
view that this would enable greater flexibility on the number using The Barn and the
frequency. Nevertheless any future changes would need to be mindful of the historic
fabric of the building, which should not be prejudiced.
24. If Hillingdon does not acquire the property and it is bought on the open market
any future purchaser will consider “hope value” of the property, such value which will
not take account of the heritage and Green Belt constraints. A scenario where
planning permission is being sought for unacceptable uses would be long and drawn
out and is likely to mean that the maintenance is compromised. The Council has
responsibility of serving potential enforcement notices and liasing with English
Heritage to ensure The Barn is properly maintained which could be costly to the
Council. Repair costs would be higher should maintenance works not be carried out
for several years, and then the Council may be accused of contributing to the neglect
of a nationally important monument. The national importance of The Barn and the
public support for Hillingdon’s acquisition must be a major consideration and the
PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS
Cabinet report 10 th November 2005 Page 278