The site was visited on the 24th June 2025 by E. Wapshott MCIfA. The location of the proposed development was inspected, photographs and assessments were made, and the interior and exterior of the roof and roof structures were examined. This heritage assessment concludes that in order to maintain the significance of the structure, the replacement slates should be removed from the north pitch of the medieval roof (Zone D) and replaced with regionally appropriate slate on similar blue-grey colours to the historic roofs. It may be considered acceptable to let the rear pitch of the visually recessive main block (Zone C) continue with the present new slates, as half of it has already been undertaken, especially if the slates could be adjusted/aged for their patina. Zone B should be left alone at present and merely maintained, as should many of the miscellaneous roofs, currently in good condition. Zone A does need work and this may be acceptable as an alternative use of the current slates, with new slates used for the long linear range, Zone C. Other areas of the building are likely best left alone for now. Homogenising the appearance and colour of the roofscape on this building would affect its narrative of expansive development over time and would be considered a harmful impact. It is therefore strongly suggested a roof schedule is drawn up alongside a 5-10-year conservation management and maintenance plan to avoid future issues and to contribute to the ongoing sustainable conservation of the building.
Emily Wapshott (Wed,) studied this question.