An Historic Building Recording needed to be completed on an existing cottage, as part of Planning Conditions

The Cottage at Henley Dog Stables was due to be demolished as part of plans for new housing.

As the Cottage had at its core a 19^th century build the Local Planning Authority required a professional photographic record of any remaining heritage assets and characteristics prior to works beginning.

The Level 2 Historic Building Recording was undertaken following the Local Planning Officer’s acceptance of an Archaeological Written Scheme of Investigation also prepared by AB Heritage consultants in line with professional guidance.

Our research, using historic maps and documents found the original cottage was built between 1840 and 1890. Over its lifetime the property had been reduced and extended several times with the latest works completed around 1943. It had lost most of its original external features except to the western face, where original brick work, chimney, windows and doorway elements could be seen.

Arts and Craft design features

Internally, historic features were very limited, though some original flooring and the original timber staircase survived on the ground floor. Moulded architrave was present throughout, such as door surrounds and skirting board. The original bedroom doors with original furniture survive on the first floor. All of these features were photographically recorded and described. The main point of interest was the subtle hint of Arts & Crafts design evident in some of thefeatures of the roof and the floral character of the turned staircase balustrade.

Once the report from AB Heritage was approved by the LPA, works could progress on site with demolition of the cottage undertaken