LVS Hassocks School opened in 2009 on the site of the former Priory of Our Lady of Good Counsel complex, which had been established in the 1970s following the relocation of the priory from Haywards Heath.
The priory complex was designed by the architect Michel Blee and included the conversion and extension of an earlier 19th century property, known as ‘Kingsland House’, alongside a new build part.
The 1970s new buildings comprised three main parts – the ‘Monastic Arc’, the ‘Secular Wing’ and the Conical Chapel.
The Chapel has become a well-known structure in the local area due to its unusual design. Detailed assessment has demonstrated that all buildings have seen notable change and required extensive upgrades and redesign to maintain an institutional use.
The proposed development takes an informed and proportionate approach to our understanding of the history of the site, with specific design measures including:
- The retention of the former chapel and the use of this structure as a focal point within the scheme
- The arrangement of the proposed development to the north of the former chapel, in particular the reference to the curved nature of the former Monastic Arc
- The retention of the circular pond to which the Monastic Arc (and in turn the new development) addresses and which forms a relic of the earlier 19th century landscape
- The retention of the treelined approach and the ‘grove’ at its northern end, both elements of 19th century design landscape
- The proposed development will be understood as part of the ongoing evolution of the site which, as per earlier phases of change, retains an understanding of the varied history
- No designated or non-designated heritage assets beyond the bounds of the site have been identified as having the potential to be sensitive to the change that would occur.