## Heritage Statement Woodseats Farmhouse, Low Bradfield, South Yorkshire Introduction Scope

This document presents a statement of heritage significance and assessment of impact from proposed works to the south-east ground floor room of Woodseats Farmhouse (Figure 1).  
The information provided here draws upon, and supplements, an assessment of heritage significance presented in a previous desk-based assessment (TJC 
2017), providing further evidence in relation to new proposals. The assessment has been informed through a site visit and other relevant sources listed in the bibliography. It has been undertaken in accordance with guidance published by Historic England, the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists as set out in the Supporting Material section. 

Coleshill House (No.3) 
75 Coleshill Street, Sutton Coldfield Woodstock 

## Building Appraisal

with other doors in the building, it is possible this 

## South-East Wall

door would originally have been harr-hung. The The south-east wall is an external wall faced with western jamb of the door has been cut back to create finely dressed sandstone blocks running to regular a wider recess, with inserted timber lintel (Figure 4). 

courses (Figure 2) and backed with roughly dressed sandstone laid to uneven courses (Figure 3).  

## North-East Wall

The north-east wall is an external wall faced with Within the west of the wall is a two-light window finely dressed sandstone blocks running to largely incorporating an inserted door, narrowing its left light, regular courses (Figure 6) and backed with roughly with plainly dressed sandstone surround (Figure 2). 

dressed sandstone lain to uneven courses (Figure 7).  
The internal sill of the window has been lowered to form a bench.  
Towards the centre of the internal face is a projecting chimney piece incorporating a wider fireplace formed The altered window would have been equal in from vertical square, plain jamb and lintel stones, with dimensions to that to its west which also has mullions ogee moulded string course (Figure 7). Above the and transoms recessed from the face of the wall. 

string is a reused timber beam supporting the ends Evidence suggestive of this arrangement are of the spine beams of the first floor and the masonry alterations at the level of the transom within the of the chimney breast above.  
jambs of the window; and two sockets for stanchions in the lintel of the eastern light (Figure 5). 

Right of the fireplace is an altered area of walling incorporating flues and truncated remains of a double Within the eastern end of the wall is a small single oven. The flues extent diagonally within the wall square window set within a blocked door (Figure 2). 

venting into the adjacent fireplace. Above the oven is The blocked door has a quoined surround with ogee a probable blocked socket (Figure 7). 

moulded reveal with heavily eroded decorative stops, 
(Figure 4). The lower part of the door is blocked in Left of the fireplace (Figure 8) are two recessed dressed sandstone blocks, a distinctive hammer openings, the first comprising a rectangular timber tooling differentiating from the fabric elsewhere. The cased cupboard with single shelf, and the second a plinth steps down to the door with mitred corners. 

blocked window with splayed jamb and timber lintel and stone sill. A plain stone lintel is evident externally, Internally there is a driven wrought iron pintle with downward extensions to either side indicating 
(downward facing) above mid-level within the east the original width of the opening. The jamb and lintel jamb, and a second (upward facing) c.30 cm from have been removed and the opening blocked (Figure floor level. These pintles do not appear to be a 
8). 

matching pair and may not be original. In common The lower part of the walls around the floor have 

## North-West Wall

been coated with a sika damp proof system. 

The north-west wall (Figure 9) is an internal division, comprising of a horizontal beam with single central 

## Ceiling

post. The beam has an ovolo moulded chamfer facing The ceiling structure comprises two main north-east into the room. Sockets in the soffit of the beam to south-west aligned beams, with ovolo moulded indicate there were vertical muntin for a panelled chamfers (Figure 12). The north-east ends of the screen. An empty socket at c.2m from the floor on beams have been extended with a bolted scar joint the west side of the post could correspond to a to a plain chamfered timber (Figure 14). The floor removed door lintel, whilst a square socked in the joists are jointed to the beam with soffit tenons with beam could indicate the position of the former door diminished shoulders and have slightly stepped post (Figure 10). 

chamfered edges (Figure 13). Notably, the western 3 to 4 joists in each bay are not chamfered (Figure Extending north-east from the post is a mid-rail, 
15). All the joists have the marks of a removed lath evidently a later addition as it does not have sockets and plaster ceiling. 

corresponding with those in the beam. The walling above and below this rail is of a finely dressed ashlar, A scar runs north-west to south-east across the incorporating a central upper rectangular blocking. 

ceiling reflecting the position of a removed partition wall aligned on the eastern jamb of the door in the The wall south-west of the post is rebuilt in modern south-east elevation.  
blockwork. 

## Further Evidence Of Smoke Hood South-West Wall

In addition to the features noted in the room The south-west wall (Figure 11) is an internal surveyed, there are further features on the floors division, built from irregularly coursed squared above that are indicative of a former timber-framed sandstone. At its northern end is a doorway with smoke hood in place of the current chimney breast. 

ashlar quoined surround and rebated jamb retaining circular holes in the sill and lintel for an inward This includes a line of three redundant sockets on the opening harr hung door. At the southern end of the bottom of the ceiling beams in the room above, in wall is an inserted doorway with timber lintel. 

addition to a cut-out slope on their inside edges 
(Figures 16-17); and three socketed corbels 

## Floor

supporting the chimney stack (Figure 18). 

The floor is of sandstone slabs, re-laid level with no 
 
signs of wear, above an underfloor heating system. 

 

## Statement Of Significance Phasing Heritage Interests

PHASE 1 (1600-1650): Construction, originally 

## Historic Interest

comprising the principal living space and kitchen The form and character of Woodseats Farm, and it's 
(typically referred to as the house-part or houseprobable date of construction in 1637, places it body) of an end-lobby entrance plan dwelling with within a period of increased house building in evidence surviving demonstrating the location of the England, known as the Great Rebuilding, considered original door, heck, bressummer, smoke hood, and to have commenced during the 1560s, reaching doorways into adjacent rooms. The hall was the West Yorkshire around 1600 where it peaked during social heart of the home, where food was cooked, the 1670s (Hoskins, 1953: 44; RCHME, 1986: 109). 

and where laborers may have slept. 

Historic England give the average date for this period within the Yorkshire and Humber region as 1650 
PHASE 
2 
(1650-1800): 
Extension to rear, 
(Historic England, 2006c: 7). Within this context, reconfiguration of staircase and potentially the Woodseats farmhouse is likely to have been within rebuilding of the eastern part of the north-west wall. 

the early to mid-part of this period in South PHASE 3 (1800-1900): Rearrangement of access into Yorkshire, enhancing its historical interest. 

the building through the removal of the end-lobby The end-lobby entrance planform of the building is door and insertion of a central door leading into a of very high historic interest in respect to how home corridor; and the replacement of the open fire in the life was organised at the time. Firstly, it marked a hall with a smaller fireplace reflecting technological departure from the earlier long-house arrangement improvement. The addition of an oven at this time of family and animal accommodation under one roof indicates cooking activities still took place here. 

of which Woodseats is a relatively early example. 

PHASE 4 (1900-1970): Alterations to access within Secondly, it demonstrated the continued importance the rear of the building and expansion of agricultural of the hall to life on the farm, with the main entrance buildings. There are no changes attributed to this leading directly into it with the parlour, functional phase within the area of study. 

rooms, and staircase to the upper chambers all situated beyond. This arrangement is a typical feature PHASE 5 (1970-Present): Subdivision of rooms on of both the middle and higher status farming houses upper floors; and rearrangement of access in some within the north of England during the 17th Century, locations during the early part of this period. More and is in contrast to the south where separate entry recent works include the relaying of the floor, into the parlour was increasingly common in higher stripping of plaster and removal of Phase 3 corridor. 

status farmhouses and is seen to illustrate a growing social separation between the farmer and their Within this context, the relative height of Woodseats labourers (Mercer, 1975: 68). 

Farmhouse, the quality of its materials, general symmetry, and adoption of hierarchical order to Early 19th Century alterations to the hall include the fenestration would have appeared fashionable at time replacement of the open hearth with a fireplace, and of construction, indicating the wealth and wider the repositioning of the door from the end of the connections of the occupants. The number of heated elevation towards the centre with a corridor formed chambers and craftsmanship evident in the detailing down one side of the room. The creation of the of door chamfer stops, panelling, beams and joists corridor, in particular, circumvented the hall; 
also exhibits a degree of quality and investment to reflecting a reduction in its status and the rise of the the interior of the building.  
parlour as a reception room as illustrated by the new doorway directly to it in the north-west wall. These The end-lobby entrance plan developed in changes have illustrative historical value in relation to Derbyshire and the counties further north during the the changes in fashion and technological advances in 
17th Century, often possessing the entrance to one side of the principal elevation but sometimes heating that occurred during the period but have not alternatively arranged through an entry in the gable been found to be associated with a historically 
(Barley, 1990: 152). This arrangement reflected the significant event. 

sub-division of hearth from the main body of the hall 

## Architectural And Artistic Interest

in northern houses of the period through the The essentially double-bayed elevation of introduction of a hood above the fireplace, lit from Woodseats Farmhouse is a feature of the local its own window and shielded from draughts by a tradition, differing from the typically tri-partite form screen (heck or speer) to one side (ibid. 147). The of contemporary halls in West Yorkshire. Other hood was supported on a beam (bressummer), at no examples of the period in the wider Bradfield area more than head-height, that extended from the alone include Onesacre Hall (also built by the Stead screen to the opposite wall of the hall. In situating the family - Grade II*, NHLE: 1191806), Swinock Hall hearth against a gable wall, the gable could readily 
(Grade II, NHLE: 1132820), Hallfield House (Grade support the smoke hood and chimney, an external II, NHLE: 1192122) and Fair House (Grade II*, NHLE: 
wall was provided for a window to light the enclosed 
1132863). Fair House, as a local example of another area, and the low hood would not present a end-lobby house, has notably suffered very few constraint for doors into adjacent rooms. 

changes, preserving its end-lobby entrance internal Later alterations removed all aspects of the original bressummer, and plan form. Recent work at this subdivision and planform of the room: moving the property has also reinstated the smoke hood, timber door so that it entered into a passage rather than a framed flue, and a smoking box.  
hall and removing the internal division between hall and hearth provided by the bressummer. The centring of the door provided for a more symmetrical 

* 
A very high level of architectural and 
layout in line with the fashions of the time, although 

historical interest as an early, and notably 
its design is markedly less well executed than earlier 

grand, example of the regionally distinctive 
work and its insertion at the expense of mutilating 

end-lobby entrance plan farmhouse, the 
the order and window of the façade which raises the 

character and arrangement of which is still 
question as to what extent architectural endeavour 

legible despite later changes including the 
formed part of the decision to relocate the door. 

removal of its original external door, lobby and fireplace; 

## Archaeological Interest

* 
A low level of architectural interest 
The structural remains of the former heck, 

associated with the changes to plan form 
bressummer, smoke hood and fire-window are all of 

during the 19th century with the movement of 
archaeological interest in preserving evidence of the 

the door, insertion of the corridor and 
original form of the building. Further evidence may 

replacement of the fireplace. These alterations 
also survive within the fabric of the building in relation 

represent a commonplace change in line with 
to how the building changed through time and how 

wider fashions at the time and are of limited 
it was used. 

architectural interest in respect to their style 

## Summary Of Significance

and quality of execution. 
Woodseats Farm possesses a national level of 

* 
A moderate level of historical interest in 
heritage significance in respect of its special 

respect to the illustrative value of the form and 
architectural and historical interest, which is 

fabric of the building in demonstrating the 
recognised in its status as a Grade II Listed Building.  

changing role of the hall within the house, and 
the technological interest in the changing 
Elements of the building do not contribute equally to 

design of fireplaces for heating and cooking; 
its significance, reflecting the varying degree of interest embodied in its fabric, where there is capacity 

* 
A high level of archaeological interest in 
to support change without loss of significance, and 

relation to the blockings, insertions and other 
where there are opportunities for significance to be 

alterations to its fabric evident within the 
enhanced. This value is expressed in line with the 

building, and how they demonstrate the 
scale provided in Appendix 1. 

development of the building and the changing 
Overall, the front room of Woodseats Farmhouse is 

use of the hall. 
considered to make a high contribution to the overall 

## 

national significance of the building, deriving from: 

## Impact Assessment Summary Of Proposal Overarching Approach

The application seeks retrospective permission for a The principal objectives of the current proposal are number of alterations already actioned and provides twofold, the first is to renovate the room; and the further detail relevant to complete the works, second is to restore a greater legibility of the Phase 1 
comprising: 
circulation and external aspect of the building. 

1. 
HG01: Replace infill in western part of north-
The approach of the first objective has been to take 

east wall, block doorway and re-plaster; 
back the room to its core fabric, conserve it, and 

2. 
HG03: Remove corridor partition and block 
make improvements to heating and to alleviate 

door in south-west corner of roof; 
damp. The works, whilst resulting in the loss of 

3. 
HG60: Clean internal fabric (beams, timber 
historic fabric of heritage interest, are not contrary to 

framing, and masonry); 
the long-term conservation of the building and can 

4. 
HM51 & HG22: Install underfloor heating and 
be suitable conservation strategies where justified. 

repair and replace flag floor; and  
Unfortunately, the work was commenced without 

5. 
HM50: Install sika tanking application to 900mm 
consultation or consent from the local planning 

lower course of masonry of all walls; 
authority to demonstrate the stages of investigation A range of additional works are also proposed: 
and design that led up to the implemented approach. 

6. 
HG10: Repair rubble fire back and stone jambs 
A schedule of works detailing the decision-making 

of fireplace; 
process and techniques used in undertaking the 

7. 
HG63: Dry-lined plaster interior 
works has since been produced, which provides a 

8. 
HM02 & W1.04: Unblocking and reinstating a 
useful baseline for determining the original condition 

door in the south-east corner of the building; 
of lost fabric, and the harm arising from its loss. For 

9. 
HM01 & W1.02: Removal of south-west door 
this application, the strategy for completing or 

and reinstatement of former window; 
reversing works initiated has been undertaken in 

10. HG61: Install new skirting fixed to wall plaster; 
consideration of the balance of harm and benefit 

11. HG62: Ceiling finish, joist and beam repair; 
arising from either action, discussed in Table 1. 

12. HG63: Install window boards. 
The approach of the second objective has been 

13. HG09 & WI.05: reinstate the fireside window. 
designed in accordance with Historic England's Details of these proposals are provided in the Conservation Principles (2008). In adopting this Schedule of Works, drawings and specifications philosophy, it has been necessary to acknowledge accompanying the application (MHH 2019 & WCA 
that the unauthorised works to the property have 
2019). An impact assessment is presented in Table 1 
resulted in the removal of historic fabric, and that below.  
reinstatement could not fully mitigate the loss of heritage significance these works have caused. Rather than proposing a restoration of the recently lost fabric which would require the introduction of new material to imitate the material that has been lost, it is considered that a partial restoration of aspects of the Phase 1 hall would be more sensitive in terms of the authenticity and integrity of the building and result in a greater enhancement of its key heritage interests.  
The following reasoning has been followed in respect to answering the specific requirements identified by Historic England for the acceptable restoration of a significant place (2008: 55): 

## A. The Heritage Values Of The Elements That Would Be Restored Decisively Outweigh The Values Of Those That Would Be Lost;

The affected fabric relates to the Phase 3 (1800- 1900) reorganisation of the hall at Woodseats Farm, an aspect of the building which is of low architectural and medium historical interest and which positively contribute to the building's national significance. 

The Phase 1 (1600-1650) circulation pattern at Woodseats Farm is an aspect of the building which is of very high architectural and historical interest, the legibility of which and its contribution to the building's national significance will be greatly enhanced by the proposed restoration. 

b. 
the work proposed is justified by compelling evidence of the evolution of the place, and is executed in accordance with that evidence;  
The proposed alterations aim to reinstate the elements of the circulation of Woodseats farmhouse's hall for which there is convincing evidence; namely the re-establishment of its original dimensions through the removal of a corridor; the reinstatement of its external entrance and fireside window; and the blocking of inserted doors into the parlour and rear ancillary room. Whilst evidence for a heck, open hearth and earlier doorway to the rear ancillary room exist, it is not deemed that there is sufficient knowledge of their form to reinstate and that the restoration of the hearth would require the loss of a Phase 2 fireplace which is of architectural and historical merit in its own right. 

## C. The Form In Which The Place Currently Exists Is Not The Result Of An Historically Significant Event;

The former fabric associated with the Phase 3 reorganisation is not associated with a documented significant event, either locally or nationally, but rather reflects a commonplace alteration of the period respecting the change in domestic organisation and the role of the hall. 

## D. The Work Proposed Respects Previous Forms Of The Place;

The proposed works are based on a detailed understanding of the Phase 1 circulation pattern. 

## E. The Maintenance Implications Of The Proposed Restoration Are Considered To Be Sustainable.

The proposed works will not establish any further maintenance requirements and will carry out essential maintenance and repairs that will ensure the long-term conservation of the structure. 

## 

| WOODSEATS FARMHOUSE                                                        | NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE      |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------|
| Potential Effects                                                          | Heritage Impact Assessment |
| Sensitivity                                                                |                            |
| Effect                                                                     |                            |
| Proposal                                                                   |                            |
| H                                                                          | o                          |
| HG01                                                                       |                            |
| Replace infill in western                                                  |                            |
| part of north-east wall and                                                |                            |
| re-plaster                                                                 |                            |
| §                                                                          |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Loss of Phase 3-4                                                          |                            |
| fabric                                                                     |                            |
| §                                                                          |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Erosion of Phase 3                                                         |                            |
| planform & circulation                                                     |                            |
| §                                                                          |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Enhancement of Phase                                                       |                            |
| 1 planform &                                                               |                            |
| circulation                                                                |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Work already started                                                       |                            |
| The proposal has removed a section of walling that comprised a             |                            |
| mixture of brickwork and blockwork incorporating a door at its             |                            |
| western end. The alignment of this door is attributed to the Phase 3       |                            |
| reorganisation which added a central entrance in the south elevation       |                            |
| and corridor, although the fabric was evidently of Phase 4 and 5           |                            |
| suggesting the area had been reworked. Structural evidence suggests        |                            |
| this wall was originally of plank and muntin with a door towards the       |                            |
| central post.                                                              |                            |
| The proposal has rebuilt this wall in blockwork, blocking the position     |                            |
| of the Phase 3 door, aiming to repair of unsound altered fabric to         |                            |
| promote the conservation of the structure, and the evidenced               |                            |
| restoration of elements of the Phase 1 layout.                             |                            |
| The affected fabric and planform was of low architectural interest and     |                            |
| moderate historical interest, whilst the proposals will conserve Phase     |                            |
| 1 fabric which is of very high architectural and historical interest. The  |                            |
| potential Phase 1 door towards the centre of the wall is not proposed      |                            |
| for reinstatement on the basis that the evidence for its location is not   |                            |
| definite and its phasing uncertain. However, the works form part of        |                            |
| the wider programme of restoration of the Phase 1 layout and               |                            |
| circulation.                                                               |                            |
| M                                                                          | +                          |
| The proposal has removed an internal partition forming a corridor          |                            |
| along the edge of the room, associated with the reorganisation of          |                            |
| Phase 3.                                                                   |                            |
| The affected fabric and planform was of low architectural interest and     |                            |
| moderate historical interest, whilst the proposals will enhance the        |                            |
| legibility of the Phase 1 building which is of very high architectural and |                            |
| historical interest. These works form part of the wider programme of       |                            |
| restoration of the Phase 1 layout and circulation.                         |                            |
| HG03                                                                       |                            |
| Remove corridor partition                                                  |                            |
| and block south-west                                                       |                            |
| door                                                                       |                            |
| §                                                                          |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Loss of Phase 3 fabric                                                     |                            |
| §                                                                          |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Erosion of Phase 3                                                         |                            |
| planform & circulation                                                     |                            |
| §                                                                          |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Enhancement of Phase                                                       |                            |
| 1 planform &                                                               |                            |
| circulation                                                                |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Work already started                                                       |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Neg +                                                                      |                            |
| Block inserted internal                                                    |                            |
| door in south-west corner                                                  |                            |
| of room                                                                    |                            |
| §                                                                          |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Enhancement of Phase                                                       |                            |
| 1 planform &                                                               |                            |
| circulation                                                                |                            |
| §                                                                          |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Conservation of fabric                                                     |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |

The proposal will block an inserted door between the former hall and parlour of the house, an alteration attributed to the Phase 3 reorganisation of the property. 

The affected fabric and planform was of low architectural interest and moderate historical interest, whilst the proposals will enhance the legibility of the Phase 1 building which is of very high architectural and historical interest. These works form part of the wider programme of restoration of the Phase 1 layout and circulation. The wall above the doorway is also poorly supported and has led to visible movement in the masonry. The blocking of this door is considered to therefore also improve the structural integrity of the wall. 

| M                                                                       |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| The proposal has removed all internal plasterwork, wallpaper, accrued   |
| layers of paintwork, floor coverings and the patina of age from         |
| exposed masonry.                                                        |
| The affected fabric is likely to have included Phase 1 plasterwork, and |
| HG60                                                                    |
| Clean internal fabric                                                   |
| (beams, timber framing,                                                 |
| and masonry)                                                            |
|                                                                         |
| §                                                                       |
|                                                                         |
| Loss of historic plaster                                                |
| WOODSEATS FARMHOUSE                                                        | NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE      |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------|
| Potential Effects                                                          | Heritage Impact Assessment |
| Sensitivity                                                                |                            |
| Effect                                                                     |                            |
| Proposal                                                                   |                            |
| §                                                                          |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Conservation of fabric                                                     |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Work already started                                                       |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| a myriad of patch repairs, alterations and paint layers dating from        |                            |
| Phase 3 to 5. Not all of this fabric will have been of architectural or    |                            |
| historical interest, although it would have possessed some                 |                            |
| archaeological interest in relation to the evolution of the room.          |                            |
| Aspects of the affected fabric, such as gloss or emulsion paints, an       |                            |
| asphalt floor covering, and patch repairs in gypsum plaster, would         |                            |
| have been harmful to the conservation of the structure in                  |                            |
| representing non-breathable layers that would have trapped in              |                            |
| moisture. Removal has also enabled the inspection and conservation         |                            |
| of exposed fabric to design masonry repairs, repointing, treating of       |                            |
| insect infestation, and restoration and repairs to timbers.                |                            |
| HG10                                                                       |                            |
| Repair rubble fire back                                                    |                            |
| and stone jambs of                                                         |                            |
| fireplace                                                                  |                            |
| §                                                                          |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Conservation of fabric                                                     |                            |
| M                                                                          | +                          |
| The proposal will repair the Phase 3 fireplace to working condition,       |                            |
| requiring an indent repair to the south jamb and the repointing in lime    |                            |
| mortar of the fire back.                                                   |                            |
| Stonework is to be sourced and dressed to match, with details to be        |                            |
| confirmed with the PDNPA conservation team.                                |                            |
| The proposals will result in the conservation and enhancement of the       |                            |
| historic fabric.                                                           |                            |
| HG63                                                                       |                            |
| Dry line internal walls.                                                   |                            |
| §                                                                          |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Loss of character.                                                         |                            |
| §                                                                          |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Conservation of fabric.                                                    |                            |
| M                                                                          | o                          |
| The proposal will install a proprietary dry lining system of magnesium     |                            |
| silicate board mounted on steel tracks tied into masonry joints. This      |                            |
| proposal has been adopted to address severe internal damp recorded         |                            |
| by the owner and previous tenant of the property and in consideration      |                            |
| of conservation research and guidance published by Historic Scotland       |                            |
| (2013). The installation of this system requires the removal of internal   |                            |
| plaster, an assessment of which is included under proposal HG60.           |                            |
| The principal negative effects arising from the proposal will be the loss  |                            |
| of legibility of the slight unevenness of internal walls and a reduction   |                            |
| in room dimensions. The dry lining system will not extend into             |                            |
| window/doors, with plaster proposed to feather in around stone             |                            |
| quoined surrounds to preserve their profile and legibility. No             |                            |
| architectural details are present that would be hidden or impacted by      |                            |
| this proposal, and the room is of sufficient size and the cladding         |                            |
| sufficiently thin that any change to internal dimensions is unlikely to be |                            |
| legible.                                                                   |                            |
| The system has conservation credentials in regard to improving             |                            |
| thermal insulation and is vapour open such that the masonry behind         |                            |
| will be able to breath. In allowing an air gap against the masonry, the    |                            |
| system will also assist in reducing internal damp and condensation.        |                            |
| It is considered that the benefits from insulation and reduction in damp   |                            |
| will balance the harm to internal character through loss of legibility of  |                            |
| slightly uneven walls.                                                     |                            |
| HM02                                                                       |                            |
| W1.04                                                                      |                            |
| Neg +                                                                      |                            |
| The proposal will remove an inserted window from the Phase 1 door          |                            |
| in the south corner of the building. The new door will take reference      |                            |
| from doors at the property, comprising a plank and batten door with        |                            |
| strap hinges and pintles, and latches.                                     |                            |
| The effected fabric relates to the Phase 3 reorganisation of the           |                            |
| building, which are overall attributed a low architectural and moderate    |                            |
| historical interest in respect to comprising alterations of low            |                            |
| Unblocking and reinstating                                                 |                            |
| a door in the south corner                                                 |                            |
| of the building                                                            |                            |
| §                                                                          |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Loss of Phase 3 fabric                                                     |                            |
| §                                                                          |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Erosion of Phase 3                                                         |                            |
| planform & circulation                                                     |                            |
| §                                                                          |                            |
|                                                                            |                            |
| Enhancement of Phase                                                       |                            |
| WOODSEATS FARMHOUSE                                                         | NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE      |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------|
| Potential Effects                                                           | Heritage Impact Assessment |
| Sensitivity                                                                 |                            |
| Effect                                                                      |                            |
| Proposal                                                                    |                            |
| 1 planform &                                                                |                            |
| circulation                                                                 |                            |
|                                                                             |                            |
| architectural quality to facilitate a change in planform that is            |                            |
| commonplace to the period and not attributed to a significant               |                            |
| historical event. The effected fabric itself comprises a low ashlar infill  |                            |
| and plain modern timber casement of a character that detracts from          |                            |
| the architectural interest of the building.                                 |                            |
| The proposals will re-establish the position of the Phase 1 entrance        |                            |
| which is of very high architectural interest as an early and high-quality   |                            |
| example of a regionally distinctive building tradition These works form     |                            |
| part of the wider programme of restoration of the Phase 1 layout and        |                            |
| circulation that will enhance the historical and architectural interest of  |                            |
| the building.                                                               |                            |
| HM01                                                                        |                            |
| W1.02                                                                       |                            |
| Removal of south-west                                                       |                            |
| door and reinstatement of                                                   |                            |
| former window                                                               |                            |
| §                                                                           |                            |
|                                                                             |                            |
| Loss of Phase 3 fabric                                                      |                            |
| §                                                                           |                            |
|                                                                             |                            |
| Erosion of Phase 3                                                          |                            |
| planform & circulation                                                      |                            |
| §                                                                           |                            |
|                                                                             |                            |
| Enhancement of Phase                                                        |                            |
| 1 planform &                                                                |                            |
| circulation                                                                 |                            |
|                                                                             |                            |
| M                                                                           | +                          |
| The proposal will remove an inserted door and reinstate a Phase 1           |                            |
| window. The designs of the reinstated fabric have been developed on         |                            |
| sound evidence for the position of the west jamb of the window and          |                            |
| the location and division of its missing mullions and transoms.             |                            |
| The effected fabric relates to the Phase 3 reorganisation of the            |                            |
| building, which are overall attributed a low architectural and moderate     |                            |
| historical interest in respect to comprising alterations of low             |                            |
| architectural quality to facilitate a change in planform that is            |                            |
| commonplace to the period and not attributed to a significance              |                            |
| historical event. The affected fabric itself comprises a plain stone        |                            |
| framed doorway which is simple in its design but reflective of the          |                            |
| period in which the alteration was made and is therefore attributed a       |                            |
| measure of historical and architectural interest. The insertion of the      |                            |
| door does not appear, however, to have been undertaken to enhance           |                            |
| or bring up to date the elevation of the building, but rather to facilitate |                            |
| a functional reordering of the interior to provide greater                  |                            |
| compartmentalisation of space possibly reflecting increased family size     |                            |
| as well as the increasing division of business and family spaces and the    |                            |
| movement between them.                                                      |                            |
| The proposals will re-establish the position of the Phase 1 entrance        |                            |
| which is of very high architectural interest as an early and high-quality   |                            |
| example of a regionally distinctive building tradition These works form     |                            |
| part of the wider programme of restoration of the Phase 1 layout and        |                            |
| circulation that will enhance the historical and architectural interest of  |                            |
| the building.                                                               |                            |
| HG61                                                                        |                            |
| Install new oak skirting                                                    |                            |
| flush with wall plaster                                                     |                            |
|                                                                             |                            |
| n/a                                                                         | o                          |
| The proposal will install new oak skirting along the base of the walls,     |                            |
| recessed flush with the plaster.                                            |                            |
| There is no evidence for the presence or form of the former skirting        |                            |
| in the property.                                                            |                            |
| The proposed skirting is to be finished flush with the wall, providing      |                            |
| the benefits of skirting without it detracting from the 17                  |                            |
| th                                                                          |                            |
| century                                                                     |                            |
| character of the walls.                                                     |                            |
| H                                                                           | +                          |
| This proposal will undertake like for like repairs to discrete sections of  |                            |
| timbers identified by a timber repair specialist as requiring restoration.  |                            |
| Demonstrable that works are necessary and where the retention of            |                            |
| historic fabric is prioritised. The extent and techniques of proposed       |                            |
| works aims to preserve historic fabric where possible, and to match         |                            |
| HG62                                                                        |                            |
| Ceiling finish and joist                                                    |                            |
| treatment                                                                   |                            |
| §                                                                           |                            |
|                                                                             |                            |
| Loss of Phase 1 fabric                                                      |                            |
| §                                                                           |                            |
|                                                                             |                            |
| Conservation of fabric                                                      |                            |
|                                                                             |                            |
| WOODSEATS FARMHOUSE                                                        | NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE                                            |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Potential Effects                                                          | Heritage Impact Assessment                                       |
| Sensitivity                                                                |                                                                  |
| Effect                                                                     |                                                                  |
| Proposal                                                                   |                                                                  |
|                                                                            | timber species, tooling and detailing where new pieces are to be |
| introduced.                                                                |                                                                  |
| The proposals will result in the conservation and enhancement of the       |                                                                  |
| historic fabric.                                                           |                                                                  |
| To ensure that the archaeological value of differences within joists       |                                                                  |
| across the room is preserved, a record should be made prior to their       |                                                                  |
| removal and replacements based on replacing individual timber              |                                                                  |
| sections on a like-for-like basis in order to retain differentiation as to |                                                                  |
| where timbers have moulded detail and not.                                 |                                                                  |
| HG53                                                                       |                                                                  |
| Oak window boards to be                                                    |                                                                  |
| fitted flush with window                                                   |                                                                  |
| ledge                                                                      |                                                                  |
| §                                                                          |                                                                  |
|                                                                            |                                                                  |
| Conservation of fabric                                                     |                                                                  |
|                                                                            |                                                                  |
| n/a                                                                        | +                                                                |
| The proposal will install new window boards.                               |                                                                  |
| No historic window boards are present, the stone of the sills exposed      |                                                                  |
| in each window.                                                            |                                                                  |
| The proposal will cover and protect the stone of the sills, which is       |                                                                  |
| varying degrees of wear, without impacting historic fabric or the form     |                                                                  |
| or character of the windows.                                               |                                                                  |
| The proposals will result in the conservation and enhancement of the       |                                                                  |
| historic fabric.                                                           |                                                                  |
| HM51                                                                       |                                                                  |
| Install underfloor heating                                                 |                                                                  |
| and repair and replace flag                                                |                                                                  |
| floor                                                                      |                                                                  |
|                                                                            |                                                                  |
| §                                                                          |                                                                  |
|                                                                            |                                                                  |
| Loss of archaeological                                                     |                                                                  |
| remains                                                                    |                                                                  |
| §                                                                          |                                                                  |
|                                                                            |                                                                  |
| Conservation of fabric                                                     |                                                                  |
|                                                                            |                                                                  |
| Work already started                                                       |                                                                  |
|                                                                            |                                                                  |
| ?                                                                          | ?                                                                |
| The proposal has introduced a new wet underfloor heating system.           |                                                                  |
| The works required the removal of asphalt floor covering; the              |                                                                  |
| removal of stone flags; the excavation of the floor to a required depth    |                                                                  |
| to allow a concrete screed to be placed (assessed above); and for the      |                                                                  |
| cleaning, turning and reinstatement of the original stone flags at their   |                                                                  |
| historic levels. The affected sub-floor deposits may have been of          |                                                                  |
| archaeological interest. Doorways were unaffected by the works.            |                                                                  |
| Underfloor heating technology is compatible with the objectives of         |                                                                  |
| conservation, providing gentle low temperature radiant heat that           |                                                                  |
| limits condensation, a cause of internal dampness (Historic England,       |                                                                  |
| 2016b;). There is also considered to be a benefit to the architectural     |                                                                  |
| interest of the room in respect to hiding modern heating apparatus.        |                                                                  |
| Heritage concerns with the system are usually on the basis of the          |                                                                  |
| potential harm that can arise to archaeological deposits. The extent       |                                                                  |
| to which the installation of the system truncated or destroyed             |                                                                  |
| archaeological remains is not known, the works have, however, been         |                                                                  |
| completed and any harm cannot be reversed.                                 |                                                                  |
| It is therefore considered that the most appropriate strategy is to        |                                                                  |
| avoid further damage from removal but to put in place a                    |                                                                  |
| recommendation that the subfloor is inspected archaeologically at          |                                                                  |
| such time that the underfloor heating needs to be repaired or              |                                                                  |
| replaced.                                                                  |                                                                  |
| H                                                                          | ?                                                                |
| HM50                                                                       |                                                                  |
| Install sika tanking                                                       |                                                                  |
| application to 900mm                                                       |                                                                  |
| lower course of masonry                                                    |                                                                  |
| of all walls                                                               |                                                                  |
|                                                                            |                                                                  |
| §                                                                          |                                                                  |
|                                                                            |                                                                  |
| Loss of historic fabric                                                    |                                                                  |
| §                                                                          |                                                                  |
|                                                                            |                                                                  |
| Conservation of fabric                                                     |                                                                  |
|                                                                            |                                                                  |
| Work already started                                                       |                                                                  |
|                                                                            |                                                                  |
| The proposal has introduced sika tanking and underfloor concrete           |                                                                  |
| screed that were installed as part of the works undertaken outside of      |                                                                  |
| Listed Building Consent.                                                   |                                                                  |
| Whilst the steps of diagnosis and investigation to inform remediation      |                                                                  |
| works were not documented, the invasive works have now been                |                                                                  |
| completed. In consideration of how this harm could best be mitigated       |                                                                  |
| options of removal and reinstatement of lime plaster were weighed          |                                                                  |
| against the retention of the tanking system.                               |                                                                  |
| Removal and reinstatement would revert the building to a traditional       |                                                                  |
| WOODSEATS FARMHOUSE    |
|------------------------|
| Potential Effects      |
Proposal 

Heritage Impact Assessment form, providing a breathable interior wall which should in theory enable the transmission of moisture through the wall (although it should be noted that a reduction in draughts and loss of regular open fires as the principal form of heating within the property will close off traditional routes of moisture transmission out of the building that may lead to internal condensation on cool surfaces). The works to remove the sika will risk damage to the internal face of the masonry and historic flags, with the associated risk that the damp issue may not be adequately alleviated.  
The alternative, which is to retain the tanking system, will not risk further harm and whilst not a traditional solution, it is recognised by both Historic England and SPAB guidance as being beneficial in cases of excessive damp that cannot be addressed by more traditional means (Historic England, 2016a; SPAB, 2018). In weighing these options, it is considered that since the physical harm caused by the installation cannot be wholly reversed, the balance lies on whether reinstatement would be more harmful then retention. It is therefore deemed that where it can be demonstrated, by a representative trial under guidance provided by a relevant specialist, that the tanking cannot be removed without causing extensive harm through removal of historic fabric than it is recommended that its retention is the most appropriate option. This is accordance with advice from SPAB's technical advisory team and the structural report which was prepared by a conservation accredited engineer (Alan Wood, 2019).  

HG09 
W1.05 
Reinstatement of fire side window. 
N 
+ 
The proposal will remove the existing stonework blocking the former fire window in the north-east wall, requiring the insertion of new 
stonework to form jambs and sill and a new window frame. 
The window is believed to have been blocked during Phase 3 when other alterations were also being made to the hall, and is not considered to contribute to the significance of the building in its 
current form. 
The reinstatement of the window will restore an important Phase 1 
architectural feature that is characteristic of the regional form of endlobby entrance houses, of which Woodseats farmhouse is an important example. The scope of the proposal has been kept purposefully simple, basing 
it on the evidence that is available without any further supposition in 
relation to the original style of window frame. The affect will be legible 
as a modern reopening of a Phase 1 window, with any harm from the 
loss of historic interest associated with its Phase 3 blocking greatly outweighed by the benefit to the architectural interest of the building in enhancing the legibility of its Phase 1 design.  

## Conclusion

Assessment has therefore been undertaken on a 

## Summary Of Heritage Significance

basis of whether retaining the works would be more The front room of Woodseats Farmhouse or less harmful then their reversal.  
represents the former principal hall of the house, which would have been a focal point for domestic Invasive works that are identified as having been social, and business activities. The circulation and harmful comprise the loss of Phase 3 fabric and plan; 
planform of the hall were regionally distinctive and loss of plaster relating to Phase 1; and the potential represented an early example of their type. Later loss of archaeological remains below floor level. 

changes in the early 19th Century, subdivided the Further works are also proposed which are aimed at room, changed circulation and built a new fireplace. 

the enhancement of the heritage interest of the More recent changes retained the overall layout but building in respect to increasing the legibility of its introduced new fixed furniture, a new fireplace insert Phase 1 organisation. These works are identified as and included extensive redecoration. 

positive. 

The room as it stood prior to the current owner 

## Conclusion

commencing works is considered to have made a moderate positive contribution to the national Overall, it is considered that the works as have been 

## Significance Of The Building.

undertaken have resulted in harm to the building, and that it is difficult to determine whether the benefits 

## Summary Of Impact

they bring to the conservation of the asset would The proposed works include a range of measures to outweigh that impact. On balance of retention verses alleviate damp, repair structural issues and targeted reinstatement, it is considered that further evidence restoration.  
may be required to determine if removal of the sika tanking would be harmful to the fabric but that no The overall objectives of the work are considered to further harm is likely to arise from their retention. In be in accordance with the conservation of the respect to the other proposals yet to be undertaken, building. Whilst certain measures, for which it is considered that the works will lead to an retrospective listed building consent is sought, may enhancement of the contribution that the room have been invasive and damaging to the historic makes to the significance of the building. 

fabric, they can be appropriate techniques where justified. As the investigation and design of 

## Author

remediation measures were not consulted on at the James Thomson BA MA PGDip (Conserv.Hist.Env) MCIfA 
time, it is now difficult to conclude whether the Edited by Oliver Jessop BA MA MCIfA 
works were proportionate to the problems. 

## Appendix 1: Assessment Methodology Assessment Of Significance

The significance of heritage assets is their value to this and future generations because of the archaeological, architectural, artistic or historic interest embodied in their physical presence and way in which they are experienced (after definitions in National Planning Policy Framework). The Planning Practice Guidance defines these heritage interests as: 

§ 
Archaeological interest: As defined in the 
Glossary to the National Planning Policy Framework, there will be archaeological interest in a heritage asset if it holds, or potentially holds, evidence of past human activity worthy of expert investigation at some point. 
§ 
Architectural and Artistic interest: These are 
interests in the design and general aesthetics of a place. They can arise from conscious design or fortuitously from the way the heritage asset has evolved. More specifically, architectural interest is an interest in the art or science of the design, construction, craftsmanship and decoration of buildings and structures of all types. Artistic interest is an interest in other human creative skill, like sculpture. 

§ 
Historic interest: An interest in past lives and 
events (including pre-historic). Heritage assets 
can illustrate or be associated with them. Heritage assets with historic interest not only provide a material record of our nation's history, but can also provide meaning for communities derived from their collective experience of a place and can symbolise wider values such as faith and cultural identity.  
Establishing what factors contribute to the significance of an asset, and how, is crucial to understand its vulnerability to change and in ensuring appropriate conservation strategies are identified which preserve and enhance that significance. Significance is assessed in line with the following scale: 

Heritage Significance 
Heritage assets of outstanding universal value which fulfil the criteria for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Heritage assets of exceptional interest, and of particular or national importance that fulfil the criteria for listing at a high grade (i.e. as a Scheduled Monument, or Grade I or II* Listed Building / Registered Park and Garden). Heritage assets of special interest that fulfil the criteria for listing (i.e. as a Conservation Area, Grade II Listed Building / Registered Park and Garden, Registered Battlefield or Protected Wreck Site). 
Heritage assets that fulfil the criteria for local listing (as set out by local authority guidance or Historic England's advice note on Local Listing). Broadly defined, such assets possess architectural or historical interest that notably contributes to local distinctiveness or possesses archaeological interest that contributes towards the objectives of a regional research agenda. Heritage asset that fails to fulfil the criteria for local listing but that possesses sufficient interest in one area to be considered a nondesignated heritage asset. Heritage asset of very limited heritage interest, typically due to poor preservation, survival or restricted contextual associations. 

## Assessment Of Senstivity

Elements of a heritage asset, including elements of their setting, may not contribute equally to its significance, reflecting the varying degree of heritage interest embodied in its fabric, where there is capacity for an asset to support change without loss of significance, and where there are opportunities for significance to be enhanced. This sensitivity is expressed in line with the following scale: 

Sensitivity (contribution to significance) 

## Assessment Of Effect

An assessment of the effect of the proposed works considers the contribution made by the affected element to the significance of a heritage assets, and the nature of any effect (both negative and positive) 
to that contribution. The scale of effect adopted is set out in the following table: 

Effect of Proposal 
the contribution the effected element makes to the significance of the heritage asset, and/or substantially contribute towards the conservation of the asset. the contribution the effected element makes to the significance of the heritage asset and/or contribute towards the the positive contribution the effected element makes to the significance of the 
heritage asset and/or will have a detrimental effect on the conservation of the asset. 

## Supporting Material Bibliography

Historic Scotland, 2013. Short Guide: Fabric Alan Wood & Partners, 2019. Structural Report on Improvements for Energy Efficiency in Traditional Woodseats Farm Farmhouse.  
Buildings. Historic Environment Scotland. 

Barley, M.W. (ed) 1990. Chapters from The Hoskins, W.G. 1953. The Rebuilding of Rural Agrarian History of England and Wales, volume 5 - 
England, 1570-1640, in Past and Present, vol. 4, pp. 

The Buildings of the Countryside: 1500-1750. CUP. 

44-59. 

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, 2014. 

Mercer, E. 1975: English Vernacular Houses. Royal Standard and guidance for desk-based assessment. 

Commission on the Historic Monuments of England,  
Revised 2017. 

MHH Contracting, 2019. Schedule of Works: 
English Heritage, 
2014. 

Practical Building Woodseats Farm, Bradfield. 

Conservation: Building Environment. 

Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Historic England, 2008. Conservation Principles Government, 2016. Planning Practice Guidance. 

Polices and Guidance. 

Revised 2018. 

Historic England, 2015. Managing Significance in Royal Commission on the Historic Monuments of Decision-Taking in the Historic Environment. 

England, 1986. Rural Houses of West Yorkshire Historic Environment Good Practice Advice in 
1400-1830. HMSO. 

Planning Note 2. 

## Spab 2017. Control Of Dampness.

Historic England, 2015. The Setting of Heritage Assets: Historic Environment Good Practice Advice TJC. 2018a. Woodseats Farm, Windy Bank, Low in Planning Note 3. Revised December 2017. 

Bradfield, South Yorkshire: Archaeological Desk-
Based Assessment. 

Historic England, 2016a. Energy Efficiency and Historic Buildings: Insulating Solid Walls. 

TJC 2018b. Woodseats Farmhouse, Windy Bank, Low Bradfield, South Yorkshire: Historic Building Historic England 2006c. Historic Farmsteads Appraisal and Heritage Assessment Preliminary Character Statement: Yorkshire and the Humber Region.  
Walker Cunnington Architects (WCA), 2019. 

Woodseats Farm, Bradfield: Repairing/ Renovating/ 
Historic England, 2016b. Energy Efficiency and Conserving Masonry Historic Buildings: Insulating Solid Ground Floors.