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If you are a journalist wanting to contact North Norfolk District Council for information or comment, please call Peter Battrick, Communications Manager, on 01263 516344. You can also email media@north-norfolk.gov.uk

The team also produces the quarterly Outlook magazine for North Norfolk residents, as well as meeting the council's in-house design and branding business needs.

Historic lodge wins North Norfolk conservation and design award

10 October 2012

The 2012 North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) Graham Allen Award has been won by a ‘weekend retreat’ which was once the favourite of Edward VII.

The retreat, now The Gunton Arms at Thorpe Market, dates from the 19th Century and was the former lodge to Gunton Hall. The building had been in decline and looked to be following the same route as so many other traditional watering holes. However, considerable intervention, restoration and re-modelling has breathed new life into this important Grade II Listed Building. The owner’s intention from the outset was to reinstate the building’s original character and architectural features.

North Norfolk District Council Cabinet Member for Planning, Rhodri Oliver, said
“This is an excellent example of a restoration scheme that respects the original structure. The scheme pays close attention to detail and new elements complement the historic structure. The building has been brought back to life and is a credit to everyone involved and to North Norfolk as a whole”.

A modern piece of contemporary design has been highly commended. The Atrium, North Walsham, perfectly marries community needs with innovative spaces and striking design. The judges said the building was a bold architectural statement which has added another dimension to community facilities in the town.

 

This year two schemes received a commendation, Moor Hall Farm, Briston and Brookside and Blogg Cottage, Kelling. Moor Hall Farm saw the restoration of a derelict 18th Century farm house and outbuildings with the addition of a striking three-storey ‘tower’. The scheme at Kelling saw the sensitive refurbishment of Brookside Cottage and the erection of the matching Blogg Cottage. This project was praised for its locally distinctive approach, vernacular design and overall contribution to the setting and appearance of the Kelling Conservation Area.

The awards were presented at North Norfolk District Council’s offices on 8 October by Edward Allen, the eldest son of the late Graham Allen who was the first chairman of North Norfolk District Council.

For more information on the Graham Allen Awards call Phil Godwin, NNDC Conservation Design and Landscape Manager on (01263) 516131 or Paul Rhymes, Conservation and Design Officer on (01263) 516367.

ENDS