We were commissioned to undertake a Heritage & Visual Impact Assessment by Caineal LLP.

Our document gave the historic background of the locale and wider area, proposals and the potential for the significance of relevant heritage assets to be affected. In this respect, seventeen specific viewpoints were also identified and agreed with the local authority.

The report had been prepared to support an outline planning application for the construction of a data centre and associated infrastructure comprising a substation, office block, data hall with generators, car park, landscaping, new primary access and a secondary emergency access. A separate planning application addressed a Local Nature Reserve that proposes a comprehensive scheme of landscaping and biodiversity enhancements including an area of open space for public use.

The application site is located within the immediate setting of Grade II listed Fore Riders that was first designated in 1975 summarised as ‘II A small C16 timber-framed house, altered in the C18 and later, now weatherboarded. There is a crossing with a jettied upper storey at the south end. Two storeys. Casement windows with lattice leaded
lights. The interior has exposed timber-framing.
There are the remains of a moat.’ The site is further located within the more distant settings of a number of other designated heritage assets located to the south, including Nevendon Hall & Church of St Peter.