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What Future for Historic Tea Gardens?
January 9, 2009 9:06 AM
Councillors Cherry Beath and Roger Symonds are backing local residents' concerns about the future of The Rockery Tea Gardens on North Road Combe Down. The Rockery is well known for being a tranquil oasis, rich in wild life, flora and fauna, with large grounds and mature trees; its pond and its special setting being part of some of the open cast mines on Combe Down.
The Rockery has been owned by the same family for generations, and for the past 80 years or so it has been leased as Tea Rooms and more recently has been licensed for weddings. However, the owner cannot find a new tenant, so has applied for planning permission to develop the site to include two three storey apartment blocks, a three storey house, and a two storey house, together with a block of nine garages. If the application is approved, the site will be sold to a developer.
There are a number of local residents who object to this radical change of use, and do not want to see such a special site lost and irrevocably changed. Objections have also been received from The Bath Heritage Watchdog Group.
In a last minute attempt to find another possible solution to protect the site, one Combe Down resident Mrs Jane Goodwin, living next to the site, has asked the National Trust to consider taking the lease.
Mrs Goodwin said, "The Rockery has been an open space for almost 80 years and it would be a shame to lose it with its wonderful trees and wildlife, to a - presumably - private gated development.
"Prior Park Gardens are a great asset to the National Trust, and would be even more visited if parking nearby (at The Rockery) was available, and possibly a restaurant/café re-instated there, with maybe even a Trust shop & plant centre.
"The Skyline Tour Bus is a natural partner to the scheme, travelling as it does from the City centre, and passing the entrance to Prior Park, The Rockery and the Skyline Walk entrances.
"It seems to me the idea of linking our Skyline Walk, Ralph Allen, Prior Park and the Stone Mines in this way would be excellent, they are all inextricably linked in the history of Combe Down."
Combe Down Cllrs Cherry Beath and Roger Symonds
Councillor Cherry Beath commented, "This is a unique and beautiful site and an asset to Combe Down which has been appreciated by visitors and locals for generations. Whilst I can understand the current difficulty facing the owner, I thoroughly commend Mrs Goodwin's proposal to involve the National Trust, and preserve the natural, open character of this site.
"It is very much appreciated that the owners have for so long carefully preserved the site. Of course we do not know the National Trust's view as yet, but I very much hope that if it is positive, the owners will consider this as the best option for the future."
Councillor Roger Symonds added, "It would be a sad day for Combe Down if the Rockery is lost. I hope that the National Trust can take up Mrs Goodwin's suggestion. The continued presence of a tea room here could also link with the new Combe Down Interpretation Centre as well as with the trust's Skyline Walk and promote the Trust's activities. A brilliant idea!"
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