31/12/2021
We have now restarted the application process with a new set of drawing and plans, based on extensive evidence form a heritage consultant; a heritage architect and an additional structural engineer. This unlisted building is set within the Conservation Area of Mevagissey and we expect to enhance the heritage Polkirt Hill street scene and retain any significant heritage material. At the same time we expect to rebuild it to modern building standards, be environmentally correct and retain the original heritage characteristics of the building, as seen in the first photograph and drawing that we have found.
Pictures (a drawing from 1823 in the Tate Museum and photograph(s) made in the early 1800’s) shows that behind 11-17 Polkirt Hill, we had two buildings, being a large building “The Lilly”, which later was known as the Coast Guard House, and another smaller building that were both demolished in 1962 with a demolishing order. The remaining walls are now part of the terraced garden behind our building. It can also be noted that 15 PH existed before 17PH. It was a fisherman’s cottage (census of the mid 1800s) and a recent report (not yet confirmed) suggests that is was a butcher store in the mid 1900’s. Our objective is to retain the heritage image of the late1700’s and 1800’s.
I have talked to some of the neighbours personally and shown the facts of why this is considered a hazardous unsafe building (by four structural engineers) and Building Control who issued a Section 77 Notice (in October 2020), claiming it to be “posing an immediate danger to the general public” (see notice in the window). Recently (in the last 6 months) two large cracks, along the chimney stack, is evidence that the building is moving and, with it, the risk of a building collapse is increasing. If only for this, we ask your urgent support to get this project approved before we have a building collapse on Polkirt Hill. We can only prevent this and start the need works, with the application’s mandatory approval by the local authorities.
As the building is unsafe, it will need to be dismantled until the first floor joist level, leaving the ground floor stone wall, as this heritage fabric (with original craftsmanship) and hopefully can be fully restored. The dismantlement will be done in a two weeks time frame.
The second request for your support is for what we are requesting is our rebuild plan. This will done, incorporating the retained heritage fabric and enhancing the present street scene by restoring it to the original heritage image, as seen in the concept drawing below.
The third request for support, is the understanding that it is inevitably that some road closures will be needed when, and only when, safety risk may exist on the road side. It is difficult, at this time, to state the exact number of full or partial days of road closure but this will be communicated to the community by road signs and internet messages. We are sorry but public and worker’s safety cannot be compromised and can count on your understanding.
We can also state very clearly: Road closure will be relatively infrequent (mainly during the couple of weeks for the dismantlement of the roof and upper two floors; and the time needed to rebuild the front wall and placing the roof; delivery of construction materials; a removal of construction waste); and during the road closure times, all emergency vehicles will be able to pass at any time. You have our promise that community hinderance will be kept to a minimum and will occur only if public and worker safety could be at risk.
We welcome your thoughts and considerations (at [email protected]) regarding community hinderance, so that we can work with you on any feasible improvement.
Could you support us by replying, stating your name and post code.
Many thanks.
