Family home plans for 1700s monument

A monument, dating back to the 1700s, could soon be turned into a dwelling, if a planning application is successful.

The owner of Racton Monument, Racton Lane, near Stoughton, has requested planning permission to convert the Grade II Listed, derelict folly.

Mark Talbot, who has owned it since 1987, said the tower has, ‘for many years’, been a focal point of ‘undesirable and sometimes illegal gatherings’ as well as suffering from fly tipping and dumping of cars.

He said this happened due to the site’s ‘remote yet prominent location’ and has caused ‘considerable distress’ to local residents, adding: “These problems have occurred despite repeated installation of security fencing and gates.”

Planning consent for these specific works was granted by Chichester District Council but this permission expired in April 2013.

The fresh application will be determined by South Downs National Park

Planning Authority ‘given the significance’ of the monument to local views, landscape and cultural heritage.

Mr Talbot said: “Racton Tower has been unused for a considerable time and the proposals of this application for this listed building ensure that, with limited alterations and extension, it can be enjoyed and used in the future in accordance with the principles set out by Historic England.

“The proposals fully mark and celebrate the building’s special architectural and historic interest and is sympathetic to local character and history, including the surrounding built environment and landscape setting.

“Additional structural repairs are to be carried out to ensure that the tower remains useable for the foreseeable future, and other alterations are proposed to enable the tower to provide suitable accommodation for a family home.

“The application proposes to replace the missing elements, both structural and decorative, and to refurbish the building as far as practical to match the original design whilst retaining the essential silhouette in the landscape.”