Flood barrier at 1 Bridge Street, Winchester

“The proposal seeks to install a demountable flood barrier within the existing doorway on the Western elevation at basement level. This would negate the requirement for sandbags which are currently in place. Slim metal side channels are fitted either side of the door to the existing brickwork. Aluminium panels are then slotted in to the front of the door. No alterations to the size of the doorway are proposed, nor is any fabric removed. The fixings are reversable.”

“Bridge Street is a Grade II listed, three storey building dating to the 18 th Century. It is situated adjacent to the City Bridge, a scheduled monument, and the River Itchen at the eastern outskirts of the city centre. It is also situated in the Winchester Conservation Area. The city Mill, a Grade II* listed building, is attached to the rear (North). The building has been used as a restaurant but is undergoing alterations to be used as a dental surgery.”

“Given the immediate proximity of the listed building to the River Itchen and the potential of flood damage during times of high rainfall and water levels, the visual impact of the barrier is balanced with the benefits to the fabric of the listed building. The proposed barrier would act in helping to keep the building dry by limiting damage by flooding. This is considered to be in the interest of the long term vitality of the building.”

“The key consideration is the impact of the proposed development on the setting and significance of the listed building and on the character and appearance of the conservation area. The installation of the proposed barrier would have less than substantial harm on the setting of the listed building and the character of the conservation area. The barrier would protect the listed building from flood and water damage ensuring its optimal viable use.”

“Service Lead – Built Environment (Historic Environment) – • No objection subject to a condition ensuring any repairs are carried out using traditional workmanship.”

“The proposed flood barrier would change the appearance of this doorway, and when in use would be noticeable in views of 1 Bridge Street, and the City Mill from the City Bridge. However, given the immediate proximity of the River Itchen to the listed building, this visual impact is balanced by the benefits to the fabric of the listed building, arising from the way in which they would assist in keeping this building dry.”

“26/00868/LIS Proposal Description: Removal of the existing sandbags and the installation of a discreet, demountable flood barrier system to the existing external doorway.”

“The application was introduced and the committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the application. During discussion of the item, the Legal Officer advised on the potential implications of imposing a planning condition regarding the surface finish of the flood barrier.”

“RESOLVED The committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report. Subject to the following additional conditions: a) That a condition be added to restrict the use of the barrier, ensuring it is only in place during times of active flood risk.”