Abstract
Parkleys was built between 1954 and 1956, the first of the estates by SPAN Developments Limited. A union between the architects Eric Lyons and Geoffrey Townsend, SPAN pioneered modern design in suburban housing. In recognition of its architectural importance, Parkleys was Grade II listed in 1998 by English Heritage and designated a Conservation Area in 2003. This booklet explains why Parkleys is important and what listing means for residents.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Parkleys Residents' Society |
| Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Bibliographical note
Impact: Parkleys residential housing estate was listed grade II, in 1998 and the estate designated a Conservation Area in 2003. The flats are owned on long leases from the Parkleys Residents‘ Society (PRS), a form of 'shared freehold‘. The PRS and its committee was set up by the developer SPAN as a mechanism for the residents to manage the estate. Repairs and maintenance to the exterior fabric is managed by the PRS and residents are responsible for the interior maintenance.Under the consistent management of the PRS the estate has been relatively faithfully conserved since its construction in the 1950‘s. However the committee are all elected members from various backgrounds and professions with different skills. They may not have a background in construction or a knowledge of the planning and conservation system. Additionally many residents were unaware that Parkleys is listed or unclear what listing means and it is likely that changes have been made by individual residents following the estate‘s designation.
The Parkleys Listed Building Guide for Residents was produced for distribution to all households on the estate, to local estate agents and new residents. It is intended to promote an understanding and appreciation of the historical and architectural value of the estate and to explain the requirement and process for making an application for listed building consent.
The document has increased awareness among residents of the listed building status and the implications for residents which should reduce the number of unauthorised changes to the building fabric. More generally the document is one of a body of publications, articles and events which have fostered a growing awareness of the value of 'mid-century design‘ and its appreciation by the public.
Keywords
- Town and country planning