Conservation & Design Awards 2011
A 19th century mansion and country village centre have scooped the top prizes in a competition for the best design projects in East Hampshire.
Cadlington House, in Horndean, and Buriton’s main street have been honoured by East Hampshire District Council’s Conservation and Design Awards. 
The awards, sponsored by Fuller’s, are run every two years and seek to reward the best architecture, development or restoration in the district, both for the built and the natural environments.
A judging panel, which included planning, environmental and architectural experts, had a tough job choosing the winners from the nominated projects this year.
Cllr Patrick Burridge, Leader of EHDC, the awards make a real contribution to improving the district.
“We had a bumper crop of nominations this year,” he said. “We have never had a closer competition or a competition where the standard has been so incredibly high.
“The passion that is involved in producing quality design in the natural and built environment is clear for everyone to see.”
In the built environment the judges chose Cadlington House, a listed building and 19th century mansion for the attention to details and the craftsmanship in a project which ‘oozed quality’ and demonstrated the ‘passion and enthusiasm’ of the owner.
The winner in the natural environment category saw Buriton High Street and village pond improved both in terms of looks and safety by a committed team of volunteers whose approach the judges considered ‘courageous and inspirational’
Commended projects included The Old Dairy, Petersfield; Woodland Classroom, The Sustainability Centre, East Meon; The Shipwrights Way, Cradle Lane, Headley
Cadlington House – Built Environment
Background Cadlington House was listed in 1986 and forms part of the Blendworth Conservation Area and lies within five acres of parkland. The original house dates from 1829 and has been subsequently enlarged during the 19th Century. It continued as a substantial country mansion well into the 20th Century.
In the 1940s it was requisitioned by the army and then from 1977 until vacated in July 2006 it was in institutional use by MENCAP. When marketed in 2007 the building was in poor condition and in urgent need of attention.
The work The main house has been sub-divided vertically into three residential units. Two outbuildings now “Coachhouse” and “Stables Cottage” have also been converted for residential use. The next phase will see four more houses built and the walled garden restored.
The work has involved the complete re-roofing of the property, rebuilding some chimneys, repairs to windows, roof lantern and brick arches. An external fire escape has been removed, scarred elevations made good and the brickwork cleaned. A particularly distinctive feature of the building is the quality of the flintwork and galleting.
Judges’ verdict The work exceeds the legal obligations. The judges were especially impressed with the close attention to detail and quality of the craftsmanship. It was felt the development oozed quality which ran right through the scheme. The passion and enthusiasm of the owner shone through in the way she had gone the extra mile to achieve the right design and finish. It is a demonstration of what can be achieved with determination in what has proven to be a difficult and worsening financial climate.
Buriton – Natural Environment
Background The project centres on improving main road through Buriton focusing on the visual issues and improving safety for pedestrians.
It is part of a wider exercise co-ordinated by Buriton Parish Council to ensure the character and integrity of the historic village are respected and enhanced.
The work The resulting enhancements have been carried out in two phases. The first phase around the Master Robert pub, removed unnecessary street clutter such as road signs, bollards and other eyesores.
The second phase of the project was around the village church and pond. Here the road has been narrowed to reduce traffic speeds, a footway created alongside the pond, the car park has been carefully re-furbished and the green across the road linked to the pond and church by providing a footbridge over the stream and a new pathway. This area, not previously easily accessible to the public, is now an attractive public space in the heart of the village.
New ‘outer gates’ to the village have been introduced re-enforcing the local identity. Along with adjustments to the speed limits, erasing give-way road markings and removing central white-line road markings, these actions establish a more peaceful, uncluttered, rural feel to the village environment.
Judges’ verdict The project has created improved public spaces, given space back to pedestrians and cyclists and has influenced the behaviour of motorists in ways which do not rely on increasing amounts of road signage, road paint, bollards and other inappropriate clutter.
The commitment of key individuals and the community as a whole is clearly evident. The judges were immensely impressed by the outcome and felt it to be a true exemplar. The approach was considered both courageous and inspirational. In a tightly fought contest this combination just tipped the balance in choosing the winner.