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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10 1999

 

Tin-roofed shack revealed as historic village building

 

It looks like a ramshackle and rundown office but it was once the most important building in the village of Herstmonceux.  Inventor  Nelson Kruschandl, perhaps more famous for his running battles with the local planning authority, has been using it to design and build his creations for the past 18 years.  But in 1998 he made a startling discovery.  Beneath its rusty corrugated tin exterior lies one of Britain's earliest and last remaining electric power houses.

 

Back in Victorian time the building was the heart of the village, powering street lighting and homes for miles around.  Since the amazing find Mr Kruschandl has fought to gain the recognition he feels the building deserves as an historic monument.  But the building is unlistable because of its current condition.  It is covered in metal clading which was not part of its original structure.

 

But now he has had its status confirmed by English Heritage, which has added the building to its Monument Protection Programme.  This means tha tthe building is recognised for its history an dshould be protected.

Mr Kruschandl, 44, siad he has also had it confirmed that the building was the only remaining generator that used to power a whole village.  And local councillors have decided to rethink their decision on converting the building, which has delighted Mr Kruschandl.

 

Nelson Kruschandl's fight for historic building is vindiated

 

'It's been a struggle to get recognition but that looks like that has now happened.'  The power station called the Old Steam House, was developed by a wealthy landowner Baron de Romer originally for his own use.  It was bought by a local electricity company during the Edwardian era and remained in use until the 1930's when the National Grid took over.

'Then the technology was so early and the lights used to flicker in time with the engine,' said Mr Kruschandl.  'I try to imagine what it must have been like for people then.'  In the New Year Wealden planning councillors are expected to make a decision on whether the building can be used for living in or for office use.  Yesterday (Thursday) councillors were urged by planning chiefs to delay a decision for further investigations to be carried out.

 


 

A NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR:  We accept it is difficult for reporters writing articles of such a complex nature to capture every detail.  In the above article the council concerned issued enforcement notices between 1982 and 1986, the latter appealed to the Secretary of State.  The present 'no mans land' planning blight situation, is preventing conservation works, to include removing the unsightly tin cladding from the original timbers.  The first planning application was made in 1988, the last in 1999 (not appealed).  On each of these occasions Wealden District Council ignored the history attaching to the building, despite the newspaper report above and umpteen letters and reports from archaeologists.  The last appeal to the Secretary of State in 1997 elicited a decision letter also denying the history, which decision was based on the council's expert witness Ms Chezel Bird's testimony.  The Secretary of State now know she was wrong, but say they cannot correct their decision - worse still, it appears the council had the origins of the building on file as early as 1983, but that this information was not put before the Secretary of State, neither did the local authority or the Secretary of State consult English Heritage, despite PPG16 or Circular 22 of 1980.

 

Herstmonceux Electricity Generating Works Circa. 1900 - 1936   Links:

 

Introduction  |  Instructions  |  ISBN  |  Batteries  |  Boiler Room   |  Floor Plan  |  

 

Industrial Revolution  |   Lime Park  |  Machinery  |  Map  |  Power House  

 

Public Supply  |  Roof Construction  |  Rural SupplySussex Express 1913  |  Conclusion

 

Archaeology South East   |   East Sussex CC  |  English HeritageSIAS  |  Sx Ex 1999

 

CONTACT:  nelson@solarnavigator.net  07905 147709 (UK)

 

This website is Copyright © 1999 & 2004  NJK.   The bird logo and name Solar Navigator are trademarks. All rights reserved.  All other trademarks are hereby acknowledged.       www.maxenergy.org  is an environmental educational charity.

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