Planning – Application Comments

I disagree with Mr Whyman(correspondent) about the grounds being well maintained. It was obvious that at some point a formal garden had been laid out but latterly the lawns were mown and little else was done.
I disagree with the Conservation Officer about new buildings. Possibly equidistant from the mentioned church and the Old Rectory is a bungalow(Mr Griffin's) which was obviously built in the 1960s. There are large farm buildings next to that bungalow which are more recent and indeed my home was built in the 1980s.
I note that the footprint of the Rectory and cottage are original. However the comment about deliberate neglect is unfair. The Leakes kept the house as they'd always known it (they bought it in 1940)so it is far from being acceptable to modern standards. Indeed Mr Leake's untimely death was as a result of investigating water coming through the roof and ceilings.
There was much interest when the house came onto the open market for the first time in 80 years. I understand that Cruso Wilkin had about 40 viewings which resulted in 4 or 5 sealed bids. The initial purchasers visited soon after they knew it was theirs and promptly withdrew their offer-a huge amount of work needs to be done to bring it up to modern standards. Indeed the cottage is so damp it must be a health hazard.
As a local resident my biggest fear is that this elegant house will fall down if something isn't done. I understand that the present purchasers have a young family and it could be a lovely family home.
An observation is that the only other property in this Lane of a similar vintage is Ashwicken Hall, which has had several alterations in the 17 years I have lived here.

I write as a "neighbour" in my position as the Churchwarden for All Saints Church, Ashwicken that is adjacent to the property.
I have been the Churchwarden for a period of 25 years and am very familiar with the house though it has not been a Rectory for 80 years or more.
It was sold at that time by the Church Authorities and a new Rectory established on Lynn Road that has also subsequently been sold into private ownership.
There is a historic connection, therefore, but there is no reason to prevent modern development.
In all such cases there is a desire to prevent change but it is unreasonable to tie present generations to the past.
St Nicholas Church in Gayton has recently undergone significant re-ordering. As a Grade 1 listed building it had to present the case to a number of influential bodies both LAP and Church DAC along with statuatory consultees to gain permission.
There were those who objected to removal of the Victorian pews but permission was granted and we now have a much more comfortable Church more suitable for the expectations of today.
I am, therefore, in favour of the development of the Rectory here in order that it can continue as a home and also fulfill the expectations of a modern family today.

Continued (apologies submitted in advance of typing comment)....
Lane. Apart from being terribly neglected previously, the appearance of the Rectory and Cottage is not very orderly and does not give merit to what could be a lovely Georgian property. I would suggest the proposals will enhance the look of the property with it's symmetry and quality Georgian appearance, giving the building a new lease of life.

As an immediate neighbour in support of this application, following the comment from the Conservation Officer I felt the need to highlight some particular important points before the decision is made on this application.
The comment states 'there have been no new buildings built in the surrounding area', this is not true, my bungalow was built in 1968, which is directly opposite the Church, Rectory and Rectory Cottage. Almost all of the properties down Church Lane were built long after the Church and Rectory was built, many have also been modified and extended, some several times or have additional residential buildings within their grounds, this is in addition to farm buildings and a telephone mast all on the

I have lived in Ashwicken at my current address on Church Lane, in close proximity of the Rectory for 36 years. Unfortunately the Old Rectory and its surrounding buildings have not been maintained, so have fallen into disrepair and the gardens are extremely neglected. I feel the plans the new owners have submitted will do great justice and enhance the Old Rectory and the new building in place of the Old Rectory Cottage. I am so pleased they have chosen to keep the tradition of the building too. This building will be of no detriment to any of the neighbours and I can only see it will be of benefit to the area. The plans look amazing, I look forward to seeing it completed and am in full support of this application.

As near neighbours to the Rectory for the last 20 years it is fair to say that the Rectory became increasingly neglected by the previous owners in terms of both the buildings and the gardens. The proposed plans by the new owners clearly reflect an ambition to bring the property back to its former glory. We cannot see how any aspect of the proposals will impact negatively on anyone living in Church Lane and accordingly we strongly support the application.
We would also wish the above comments to be applied to the application for 52 Church Lane.

I am in support of this application. The design of the proposed properties looks very "in keeping" with the original Rectory.
These houses will have no impact on our house or any nearby property, except for improving the area.
The replacement of the derelict cottage will definitely enhance the Old Rectory.
The buildings and gardens are certainly in need of some care and attention. These plans proposed will certainly offer this. I look forward to seeing it completed.