CONTEXT 189 : SEPTEMBER 2026 19 INFRASTRUCTURE Welsh – which lies beneath the slabs. It is visible on close inspection, but achieves the functional objective of weatherproofing. Less satisfactory, perhaps, is that the ‘stretch’ of a single lap alters the character of a traditionally-laid roof of diminishing courses. In view of the lack of stone supply, local planning authorities have to balance the impact of a change against the need to maintain a weathertight roof. Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) considered this issue when it was proposed to replace the Horsham roof covering of a house called Herontye in 2021/2 (DM/21/4133). This is a characterful former country house of 1909, unlisted but considered a non-designated heritage asset. On the advice of its conservation officer, and with input from Historic England and the SPAB, MSDC refused permission to replace the Horsham slabs on grounds that ‘The proposed changes to roofing materials would adversely affect the significant heritage value, the character and appearance of the Non Designated Heritage Asset… and cause harm to natural beauty of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.’ Conservation officer Emily Wade’s advice was that ‘The Horsham stone roof was a deliberate aesthetic choice which contributes strongly to the building’s architectural and aesthetic values. The justification submitted by the applicant for its loss in favour of clay tiles seems to be based entirely on cost and convenience and takes no account of the conservation principles involved… the condition of the existing roof does not suggest that the comprehensive replacement of the existing roofing slates will be necessary to achieve a satisfactory repair… existing slate could be re-used, even allowing for a percentage loss, in conjunction with clay tiles.’ In the case of the National Trust’s Standen House, in 2024 (DM/24/1278) MSDC accepted that the single-lap method was an appropriate option for the Grade II listed 15th-century former farmhouse attached to the main house. Architect Kerri Butter of Thomas Ford and Partners looked carefully at all options. She explained that ‘It is the intention to reroof using existing materials or with like-for-like secondhand (Horsham slab) or new (tile) replacement material where losses occur during repair. A Horsham slab roof with its valley formed with tiles (Photo: Kathryn Ferry) Horsham slabs on the scaffold, sorted by size for re-use by Clarke Roofing (Photo: Matthew Slocombe) Cottages with Horsham stone roofs at Turner’s Hill, West Sussex, built in 1919. They were designed by Sir Aston Webb for Lord Cowdray’s Paddockhurst estate, which had its own stone quarry. (Photo: Matthew Slocombe) THREATENED MATERIALS AND CRAFTS
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