221005 MArys D&AStatement - Flipbook - Page 7
2. PLACE
2.1 Location
2.5 Conservation Area
The Parish Church of St Mary-the-Virgin, Elsworthy
Road, London NW3 3DJ
The church sits on the edge of the London Borough of
Camden Elsworthy Road Conservation Area. The
characterisation of the Conservation Area is as
predominately residential, with large detached and
semi-detached villas from the 19th century and early
20th century in a variety of styles and materials.
St Mary the Virgin is located on Primrose Hill Road,
between Elsworthy Road and King Henry’s Road in the
London Borough of Camden. The proposed extension
to the church sits to the site of the existing St Mary’s
Centre, to the east of the site.
2.2 Planning History
The church has had a range of permissions granted for
work over the last forty years, which are listed below.
NB Permissions for works to the trees on the site have
not been listed here.
–– 8702778 (1987) Application to extend the church to
the west, forming a parish room and kitchenette.
Riley & Glanfield Architects.
–– 2005/1620/P. Application to demolish the
ambulatory, and construct the St Mary’s Centre to
the east. MRDA Architects.
–– 2007:2007/1324/P. Application for revised
landscaping to the east of the church, adjacent to
the St Mary’s Centre. MRDA Architects.
–– : 2020/0964/P, dated 25 February 2020, application
to install 87 photovoltaic cells to the main roof of the
nave on behalf of the parish council, refused. MRDA
Architects.
–– APP/X5210/W/20/3259869: Installation of 58 photovoltaic solar panels on nave roof (south elevation)
and associated supporting equipment granted at
appeal. MRDA Architects.
2.3 Listing
The church is Grade 2 listed.
The war memorial within the grounds is not listed, and
a Faculty for its removal has been granted.
There are significant views notes in the Conservation
Area assessment which relate to the church and its
setting. These are discussed in more detail on p61.
2.6 Trees
Please refer to the accompanying tree survey by
Rootcause. There are two trees impacted by this
proposal, an Indian Bean Tree in good condition, and
protected by a Tree Protection Order, and a purple crab
apple tree in fair condition.
The anticipated life for both trees is 20-40 years. Both
trees are designated B1,2, meaning that their condition
is impaired (B1) and that they enjoy a higher rating
through their grouping (B2).
These trees contribute to the characterisation of
Primrose Hill Road as a tree-lined avenue.
A third small tree, a small maple (C1), will be moved to
another location within the church garden.
2.7 Archaeology
There is limited archeological potential on the site. The
site has not been used for burials and the area was
pasture land until it was developed in the 19th century.
The proposal does not extend significantly beyond the
footprint of the existing church or the existing St Mary’s
Centre, which disturbed the ground across the
proposed site.
2.4 Heritage Statement
Please refer to the accompanying Heritage Statement
which describes the building history and significance
in more detail.
Mary’s, Primrose Hill
Dow Jones Architects