Conservation group slams stately home renovation

The Georgian Group has objected to the plans for the interior of Clandon Park

A conservation group has called for a public inquiry into renovation plans for a Grade I listed stately home in Surrey.

The Georgian Group, which has a statutory role in the planning process, has written to the government objecting to what it calls the "harmful" plans for the interior of Clandon Park, near Guildford, which was badly damaged by a fire in 2015.

The proposals for the exterior and interior of the 18th Century National Trust property were approved by Guildford Borough Council (GBC) earlier in March.

A National Trust spokesperson said: "GBC has referred the approved listed building consent and planning applications to the Secretary of State in line with standard procedure."

The charity said the exterior of the building will be "restored so that it appears as it did before the blaze".

The plans will also see the conservation of the interiors which will be "made useable and accessible by the introduction of sensitively designed staircases, a basement-to-roof level lift and generous walkways".

The roof will be transformed into a public terrace, providing views over the wider local landscape.

The National Trust said it planned to "showcase the importance and beauty of what survived the fire"

Dr Anya Lucas, incoming director of The Georgian Group, said: "Far from enhancing understanding of the Grade I listed building, these harmful applications compound the fire damage.

"They are not policy compliant and they are nationally controversial.

"They also represent a missed opportunity to support at-risk heritage crafts."

The renovation is taking place due to a large fire in 2015

A National Trust spokesperson said: "Our plans will bring Clandon Park back to life as a welcoming, engaging and fully functional house.

"Our vision is for a house that showcases the importance and beauty of what survived the fire and celebrates the stories of the many people who made and crafted it over centuries.

"Our approach combines careful conservation, scholarly restoration and sensitive contemporary design."

Guildford Borough Council has been contacted for comment.

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