Planning Case Study 57

Nazareth House, Isleworth, London

2014

Planning scenario(s)

1 - Pre-determination assessment/evaluation identified significant new heritage assets - Pre-determination assessment/evaluation identified significant archaeology on the development site (i.e. the results created significant new knowledge), especially where none was previously known in the HER.
3 - Pre-determination assessment/evaluation led to the designation (listing or scheduling) of heritage assets - Pre-determination results led to the designation of heritage asset(s) on the development site.
4 - Pre-determination assessment/evaluation led to a modified development proposal - Pre-determination assessment/evaluation results led to a change in the extent or design of development.
7 - Pre-commencement archaeological conditions were attached to a planning permission - Pre-commencement archaeological conditions were attached to a planning permission and were necessary in order to enable the development to be permitted.

Heritage assets affected

Heritage assets with archaeological, historic and artistic interest

Type of application & broad category

Major, residential

Local planning authority

Authority: London Borough of Hounslow
References: P/2014/2204

Development proposal

Conversion of grade II listed house and outbuildings. Erection of 98 new residential units with new access, car parking and landscaping.

Archaeological information known about the site before the planning application was made, or before the development commenced, as appropriate

The site lay in an Archaeological Priority Area alongside the River Thames and on the edge of the medieval village of Isleworth. Prehistoric finds have been recovered from this stretch of the river. The Greater London HER recorded a ‘post-medieval pottery kiln’ of unspecified type. Nazareth House itself was early 19th century in date.

Archaeological/planning processes

A desk-based assessment indicated the presence of an unspecified type of post-medieval pottery kiln at the south end of the site. A special interest group identified this as an early porcelain factory.

An archaeological evaluation established significant survival, and a thematic study by Historic England Listing Group judged this to be the best-preserved example of the small number of such factories in London. It was the last remaining of only five porcelain manufactories operating in London in the mid 18th century and as such represented the origins and early development of this industry in England.

The LPA was advised to apply the NPPF policy on undesignated heritage assets of national importance (NPPF 2012, paragraph 139) and require preservation in situ.

Outcomes: archaeological

A pre-commencement planning condition was attached to the planning permission requiring partial archaeological excavation of the site. The new building foundations were redesigned and the remainder of the site was preserved within landscaping.

The site was scheduled (Isleworth Pottery, NHLE no. 1435957) after development.

Other outcomes/outputs e.g. other public benefit such as public engagement, research and new/changed work practices

A site tour was arranged for the English Ceramic Circle Society who are also involved in the post-excavation work. An interpretation panel has been installed on site.

References and links/bibliography

  • Pre-Construct Archaeology 2014, The site of Isleworth House, Richmond Road, Isleworth, London Borough of Hounslow. A predetermination Evaluation Report. Unpublished report.
  • A publication is in preparation by Pre-Construct Archaeology.