Boundary wall repairs at Trinity Arts Centre, Gainsborough

“The applications seeks both planning permission, and listed building consent, to dismantle the unsafe section of walling, construct new foundations for the section, and rebuild the section of walling. The previous approvals contained…”

“Adjacent to the wall are historic gravestones. These would need to be moved from their current positions to allow for the restoration works to take place. As part of the application information has been submitted detailing the gravestones affected and confirming they will be stored at the site for their protection.”

“The application site is located in the town of Gainsborough, on the eastern side of Trinity Street and the western side of Sandsfield Lane. The boundary wall is curtilage listed in association with the listed Trinity Arts Centre. The site is bounded to the north by residential properties and their garden areas as well as a ‘Kwik-Fit’ garage and associated parking.”

“The (former) church of Holy Trinity, Gainsborough is designated at Grade II for the following principal reasons: * Redundant church of 1841-3 by T Johnson of Lichfield, ashlar faced in a plain, pre-archaeological Gothic style. * Chancel enlarged in 1871, with further work in 1911 and in 1982-4 following conversion to an arts centre. * Tall W tower and spire form an important landmark.”

“The application follows on from previous planning history, namely previously approved planning application: 145640 and listed building consent 145568. These applications related to the rebuilding of the same section of the boundary wall but they have expired due to the works not commencing within the 3-year time limit (the applications were approved on 2/12/2022).”

“Overall, the proposed works are required to avoid the potential partial collapse of the historic boundary wall. The proposed works would preserve the special character and significance of the listed building and its setting by retaining the important historic wall and that features it possesses.”

“The proposed works have been considered against the duty contained within Section 16 of the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (as amended), and the advice given in Section 16 of the National Planning Policy Framework. In light of this assessment, it is considered that subject to the recommended conditions, the proposed works will respect the character and appearance of the historic fabric of the Listed Building.”

“Gainsborough Parish Council – Supports applications.”

“Recommendation: If permission is granted, I recommend that conditions are placed for an archaeological scheme of works. This would consist of archaeological monitoring and recording of all groundworks. This is to ensure that any human remains or any other remains of an archaeological nature which may be encountered during groundworks are adequately addressed.”

“Another Member of the Committee supported the proposal and commented briefly on the potential cost of the works. They asked whether any significant future increase in costs could be brought back for further consideration. The Chairman advised that financial matters were not planning issues and would fall under the remit of another Committee.”

“A further Committee Member raised concerns about vegetation and waste within the churchyard area and suggested that this should be addressed alongside the repair works to prevent further structural issues. It was confirmed that an informative could be added to direct the applicant to consider these matters, and that a related note could be referred to the appropriate committee.”

“The proposal to accept the Officer’s recommendations was duly seconded and voted upon. It was therefore agreed that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions: Recommended Planning Permission Conditions:”

“The rebuilt brickwork shall match the existing brickwork of the wall identified through the "Trinity Arts Centre Northern Boundary Wall Photographic Record of Wall: Rev 0" in respect of dimensions, colour, texture, face bond, and pointing and the rebuilt brickwork shall be constructed as stated within the “Stabilisation and Repair Works”, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”