The Twentieth Century Society has learned that one of the best late houses by the prominent Arts and Crafts architect Hugh Mackay Baillie Scott is in danger of being dwarfed by an outsized new development next door.

Church Rate Corner, built in 1924 and listed at grade II, has been recently restored and now shines as an unusually well maintained and cared for building. The current owner meticulously repaired later alterations and is now the proud custodian of an important house in its original condition.

The current planning application envisages a four bedroom detached house of little architectural quality for the site of Cambridge’s St Botolph’s Rectory, adjacent to the Baillie Scott house. The new building has been commissioned by the Diocese of Ely to serve as a new parsonage. The Society fears that this could be the start of a number of development plans around the listed building which would d amage its setting. We strongly object to the current application and support the request to upgrade the building to Grade II* in order to recognise its architectural merit and ensure that setting issues are being taken seriously.

For more information please contact Cordula Zeidler, Caseworker, The Twentieth Century Society, Tel 0207 250 3857, or Cordula.Zeidler(at)c20society.org.uk