Heritage Assessment at Holly Bank

This Heritage Statement seeks to identify and describe the significance of any archaeological (buried) and built heritage assets which may be affected by the proposed development, including any contribution made by their setting. " Research Methods The research carried out for this Heritage Statement consisted of the following elements: " Evaluation and study of archaeological databases The Somerset Historic Environment Record and the National Heritage List were consulted and details obtained of all known archaeological sites, listed and locally listed buildings and scheduled ancient monuments in the study area, defined as a 500m radius centred on NGR ST . " Evaluation and study of cartographic and other pictorial evidence A detailed map regression analysis of the study area was carried out, examining various historic maps of the specific study area, dating back to the late 18th century. These maps were obtained from the Somerset Heritage Centre and the National Archives. " Evaluation and study of primary written evidence Original medieval and post-medieval records relating to the study area were consulted at the Somerset Heritage Centre, the British Library and the National Archives. " Evaluation and study of secondary (published) sources All published and unpublished works relating to sites and structures of archaeological and historical interest within the study area were evaluated, including relevant volumes of the Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society. " Site Visit A site visit was carried out in October 2025 to assess potential impacts on the listing building and its setting and on the settings of other designated heritage assets in the immediate vicinity, supported by a photographic record taken from key vantage points. Holly Bank may be regarded as a designated heritage asset of High significance, reflecting its significance as a Grade II listed building and representing, together with the attached dwelling at Orchard Cottage, a small stone-built cruck-framed and thatched house of probable 15th century date which was remodelled in the late 17th /early 18th century and later subdivided into two dwellings by the late 18th/early 19th century. Its significance is enhanced by its prominent position within the historic core of East Coker, designated as a Conservation Area, opposite the Helyar Arms public house at the junction of Main Street and Moor Lane. It forms one of a series of well-preserved stone-built cottages and larger detached houses of 15th-17th century date situated along Main Street within the historic core of East Coker, which attest to the prosperity of the village as a result of the growth of the wool trade during this period. Its subsequent sub-division into two separate dwellings reflects a decline in status during the 18th/early 19th century, when the property was occupied by a series of artisans and agricultural labourers rather than wealthy yeoman farmers. Internally, Holly Bank retains evidence of a late medieval jointed cruck framed house of four bays, with exposed cruck trusses visible within the upper floor and the roofspace. It has been subject to a degree of unsympathetic modern alterations, particular to the rear of the house and internally at ground floor level, which have detracted slightly from its coherence, readability and aesthetic appearance. Details of the proposed development presented below are extracted from drawings provided by Graham Churchill Design Ltd on behalf of Whiteacre Planning and the client (figs. 8 9). These show that the proposals involve the demolition of part of the existing rear extension (of 1960s date and of concrete breezeblock construction, housing the W.C.) and construction of a new single-storey lean-to extension to accommodate a new kitchen, extending to the W end of the rear elevation.