Morden Park House
A substantial late eighteenth century villa listed grade II* owned by the Council but which had been unoccupied for some years and had become derelict. As Borough Conservation Officer Keith Knight was responsible for formulating a brief, interviewing specialist conservation architects, overseeing a tender process and appointing a conservation team to prepare a conservation plan and progress a scheme. This resulted in a successful grant bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund and the building was restored and converted into the Councils Registry Office.
Conservation Area Appraisals
After Ryedale DC identified 20 potential conservation areas in their Local Plan DKP were appointed to carry out detailed character assessments of the first three of these areas - Wombleton, Wrelton and Beadlam and Nawton, and make recommendations for the control of future development. A detailed analysis of the character of the villages was undertaken, including an assessment of each building, and an appraisal of street furniture and the effect this has on the area. As part of the process consultation is carried out with the residents.
The Future of Post-War Housing
A year long research project for The Twentieth Century Society (grant-aided by English Heritage), on the future of architecturally important post-war housing. Case studies included Park Hill Sheffield, the Byker Redevelopment Newcastle, the Alton Estate Roehampton, the Alexandra Road Estate Camden and the Barbican in the City of London. Keith Knight gave papers on the research to the Institute of Housing Conference in Harrogate, and at the University of York "Celebrating Conservation" Conference.