Agenda item

Application proposal: External alterations to windows and doors, replacing soil pipes and rebuilding of east chimney.  Various internal alterations to include removal of staircase (part implemented)

The Planning Intern introduced the report and briefly summarised the details of the application.  She explained that the application was part retrospective as many of the works had been completed.  She advised that the three main issues of contention with the application were:

·         The removal of the staircase

·         Insertion of new staircase and removal of floor

·         Removal of ground floor partition

With the aid of slides and photographs, the Conservation Officer explained in further detail about the internal works undertaken to the building and how they were harmful to the significance of the listed building.  He recommended that the application be refused.

In response to questions from members, the Conservation Officer informed members of the following:

·         In terms of sufficient features being left to echo what was in the building, members were informed that only a curved wall and window remained nothing else had survived;

·         Originally there had been two houses and two winder staircases.  The winder staircase on the other side of the building had been removed over 40 years ago;

·         Further details of the alterations undertaken in the 1970s and the works completed more recently;

·         Any 14^th century building would be listed.

The Committee was addressed by Michael Hicks in support of the application. He advised that the proposals were justified to support family living and if the works were to be reversed the building would not be fit for the future. 

Ward Member, Councillor Andrew Turpin advised that the application had full support from the Parish Council.  He did not understand the benefits of reinstalling the staircase and commented that it was not an original structure and had been removed prudently.  He believed that it was vital for the central staircase to be kept as it made practical sense.

During discussion, views expressed in support of the Officer’s recommendation included the following:

·         If the application were to be agreed it would set a precedent for anyone to remove anything from a listed building;

·         Not able to support removal of the winder staircase;

·         Critical features of a building should be respected;

·         The applicant should not of undertaken works without consent and should of contacted the Council;

·         The Council had a duty to protect listed buildings.

At the conclusion of the debate, it was proposed and seconded to refuse the application as per the Officer’s recommendation.  On being put to the vote the proposal was carried by 7 votes in favour and 3 against.

(Voting: 7 in favour, 3 against)