New plan for family archive at Friar Park

Crackerbox Palace. Friar Park, Henley-on-Thames

Olivia Harrison, the widow of Beatle George Harrison wants to build an archive at the home they shared for 30 years.

Mrs Harrison has applied to South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, for permission to remove temporary storage and utility units at Friar Park and erect new buildings.

The development would include an archive building for the storage of family papers and objects which are currently stored in “unsuitable conditions” in various places around the estate.

The building would measure 20m by 8m and include accommodation for an archivist.

The application is a revision of plans for which Mrs Harrison was granted planning permission in 2014 but has not yet implemented.

It says: “Since that time thoughts about the planning of the site have evolved, particularly in the way that the garden landscaping might be resolved in this area, which impacts on the layout of the proposed and consented buildings.

“There is now a strong desire to reconnect lost garden routes and to remove a proliferation of later access roads and hard-standing areas, especially closer to the historic buildings.

“For this to be achieved, a revised layout is required but one which also seeks to preserve as much of the historic garden structure as well as the presently protected trees.”

Mrs Harrison also wants to relocate the estate security and accommodation for night staff. The estate is obliged to operate a 24-hour security operation 365 days a year.

In 1999, Harrison was attacked after a man broke in and stabbed him seven times before his wife knocked out the intruder with a poker.

High security around Friar Park was put in place following the attack.

The plans also include new ancillary stores, gardeners’ sheds, staff welfare facilities and machinery/car park storage plus an additional garage for the storage of three vintage cars which are currently stored off site.

The district council will make a decision by January 16.

Source: The Henley Standard