Demolition Policy
BROOMFIELD HOUSE AND DEMOLITION POLICYBroomfield House is important nationally and locally. As a Grade II* building it is in the top 6% of listed buildings. Guidance states that Grade II* buildings are of particularly great importance to the nation’s built heritage; their significance generally beyond dispute. It is probably the oldest surviving building in Palmers Green, originating in the Sixteenth Century, with substantial elements of fabric also surviving from alterations carried out in each successive century. Broomfield House is widely known for the mural attributed to Gerard Lanscroon which encased the very fine principal staircase. The enclosing walls and attached stable range are listed Grade II and the surrounding park is listed Grade II in the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. Any application for listed building consent to demolish Broomfield House would be determined by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), Government Office for London (GOL). The case for demolition would probably be heard at a public inquiry. When demolition was mooted before it attracted substantial public opposition, followed by strong support for the restoration of the house. Government Guidance on demolition of listed buildings is contained in Planning Policy Guidance Note 15 ‘ Planning and the Historic Environment ‘ (September 1994). The guidance states that demolition of any Grade I or Grade II* building should be wholly exceptional and should require the strongest justification’. Demolition Consent would not normally be granted without clear and convincing evidence that all reasonable efforts have been made to sustain existing uses or find viable new uses. This position is generally reflected in the Council’s listed building policies contained in the approved Unitary Development Plan. The ‘tests‘ laid down in PPG15 for the consideration of demolition applications include:
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