Kew Gardens has submitted a planning application for the refurbishment of the Japanese Gateway Chokushi-Mon. 

The grade two listed gateway has been located at the gardens since 1910, when it was gifted following its being made for an exhibition.  

The planning application says: "The aim of the proposals is to protect and conserve the gateway for future generations and improve the visitor and guest experience. 

"As described in the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew World Heritage Management Plan 2020-2025, due to limited funding the Estate has survived in repeated cycles of reactive minimal maintenance for many years.  

"The cumulative effect has been a deterioration of Kew's assets, such as the Grade II listed Japanese Gateway." 

The japanese gateway and landscape. (Photo Credit: Planning Documents).

The Japanese Gateway is a 'replica' of the Karamon Gateway of Hongan-ji and so a series of desk-based studies were conducted on the gateway in Kyoto, which was recently refurbished. 

The gateway is located close to the Lion Gate entrance of Kew Gardens.  

The application says: "Whilst the overall condition of the structure and finishes of the Japanese Gateway appear to be in relatively good condition, there are a number of items that require attention." 

This includes the ridge finial brackets becoming loose, pigeons roosting underneath the copper roof, a split in the north gate hanging stile and decay on the gate hinge.  

As well as this the gate leaves have slightly sagged in the centre and the copper detailing has become tarnished.  

Some of the damage to the gateway. (Photo Credit: Planning Documents).

The proposals to The Japanese Gateway seeks to carry out the following: 

• Carefully refix loose ridge finial brackets to match with existing fixing detail  
• Carefully refix loose carved joinery to match existing  
• Specialist conservation clean and carefully refix loose copper repousse detail to match existing  
• Repair decayed timber to match existing  
• Splits in carved joinery to be repaired to match existing  
• Redecorate the gateway and balustrade in appropriate finish to compliment the traditional Japanese architecture using paint analysis and historical records to determine the finish  
• Carefully re-fix ridge tiles to match existing  
• Install bat mitigation as designed by ecologist  
• Install bird deterrent measures as designed by specialist  
• Replace corroded bottom iron hinge journals with new to match existing and adjust hinges 
• Clean paving stones to remove blue/green staining caused by copper roof  
• Reset raised paving stones to provide level surface finish 

The proposed plans for the repairs. (Photo Credit: Planning Application).

The planning application says: "The proposal is to conserve the historic fabric and enhance the general appearance using appropriate materials, techniques and designs, using historic precedent.  

"The proposed repairs and restorations are carried out in such a manner that has minimal impact on the historic fabric and features of the building and respect the traditional Japanese methods and materials.  

"The proposal, therefore, will enhance the significance of the listed building." 

Read the full planning application here.