Demolition of town-centre buildings at 8 - 12 Gaolgate Street, Stafford

“Demolition of the structures known as 8-12 Gaolgate Street (to retain the façade of 8-9 Gaolgate Street), including a sensitive split to adjacent neighbouring properties. Materials to be crushed voids and holes to be filled and remaining materials to remain in site…”

“The development site comprises 10-12 Gaolgate Street and 8-9 Gaolgate Street. The building forming 8-9 Gaolgate Street is the former Co-op Department Store, most of which is subject to prior approval for demolition. 10-12 Gaolgate Street is a two and three-storey building within the town centre of Stafford. The site occupies a corner plot where Gaolgate Street and Stafford Street meet.”

“The site falls within Stafford Town Centre Conservation Area and is within the setting of several Listed Buildings, including:”

“The building dates from the 1930-1940. According to the site’s planning history the site has had a consistent retail/commercial usage.”

“Prior approval was granted under 24/39235/PDEM for the demolition of the majority of the former Co-op Department Store.”

“The proposed demolition of is considered to be acceptable in principle, having regard to the site’s location within Stafford town centre and its relationship to the wider Stafford Town Centre Transformation Programme.”

“The remaining impacts of the development, including noise, dust, highway safety, ecology and residential amenity, can be adequately controlled through the recommended planning conditions and informatives.”

“Whilst we do not wish to raise any archaeological-related objections to the proposed demolition, there is potential for groundworks within the application site to impact upon below ground archaeology that may contribute to our understanding of the development of the town/settlement from at least the Anglo-Saxon period onwards, including the timber-framed building(s) mentioned above.”

“Whilst Historic England has no principle objection to the demolition of the existing building, it has concerns with regards to harm upon the existing conservation area (character and appearance) with regards to the site remaining vacant.”

“26/41804/FUL - 8-12 Gaolgate Street, Stafford (Recommend approve, subject to conditions). Considered the report of the Head of Economic Development and Planning regarding this matter. Prior to his presentation the Development Lead noted the comments received from the Council’s Conservation Officer in respect of the application. Councillor R A James moved and Councillor B M Cross seconded that the application be approved, subject to the conditions as set out in the report.”