Outline Planning Application to demolish 108 Westerfield Road (The
Spinney) and erect a 3-storey 50-bed care home and 4 assisted living
flats
The Ipswich Society discussed this application recently and is
unanimously opposed to the demolition of this house. The Society has
received many calls from its members supporting this view. Our reasons
are as follows:
- It is the only 'modern' domicile in the Borough.
- It is a good example of a well designed house of that era and is
attractive aesthetically both from the outside and the inside.
- At the time it was built it attracted positive reports both in the
English architectural press and in the German.
- It functions well as a large house, currently lived in by at least
six people. Whilst some renovation and updating are needed, it is not in
a state of terminal decay.
- It was designed by Birkin Haward for himself and his family to live
in which they did until his death in 2002.
- There was an attempt to List the house then which was supported by
English Heritage and the Twentieth Century Society; unfortunately it was
unsuccessful.
- Birkin Haward, Ipswich born and bred, was Ipswich's most notable and
prolific modern architect. His buildings are attractive and successful,
some already Listed. Further, he wrote many books on architecture in
Suffolk and was a fine artist; some of his output was on show very
impressively at the Town Hall Gallery recently.
We support strongly the efforts of the Twentieth Century Society and,
hopefully, English Heritage to have it Spot Listed until a substantive
decision is made.
Postscript: we are pleased to add that a Building Preservation Order has
been placed on the house.
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Cover, issue 176
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