Town Hall alterations at Earlestown Town Hall, Newton-le-Willows, St Helens

What was proposed

The application sought changes to approved plans, including additional and replacement louvres, omission of a wall and a materials list.

“P/2026/0252/S73 Earlestown Town Hall, Market Street, Newton-Le- Willows Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) for elevation changes which include installing additional louvres, replacement louvres, omission of a wall and condition 3 (materials) to provide a list of the proposed materials on application P/2024/0214/FUL.”

Minutes

The building and its setting

The works would retain important architectural features while providing additional communal space and enhancing the Town Hall.

“The change in style of the roof cowls to louvres would still be in keeping the traditional style of the building in terms of scale and materials. The addition of another louvre within the roof would be a requirement to enable appropriate ventilation of the building but would be small in scale so as not to dominate the roof side. The lighting protection would be discreet and small scale. The additional materials to condition 3 would include the amendments to the proposal.”

“The overall design of the proposed works is considered to enhance the Town Hall, retaining important architectural features whilst providing additional communal space. The proposal would comply with Policy LPD01 of the St Helens Local Plan and the NPPF.”

Officer report

Officers recommended approval

Officers recommended permission because the works would be sympathetic to the area, comply with planning policies and support community access, business and employment.

“The proposal would bring back into use a key heritage asset of Earlestown, allowing access for the local community, and creating business and employment opportunities. The proposed works would be sympathetic to the character of the area and accord with the Development Plan.”

“Grant Planning Permission subject to the following conditions:”

Officer report

Heritage and design

The roof louvres, lighting protection and materials were considered suitably small-scale, traditional and acceptable for the listed building and Conservation Area.

“Planning Condition 3 requested details of the proposed materials to be submitted and the applicant submitted details as part of discharge of condition application reference C/2025/0096/CON. The information submitted was found to be acceptable. As part of this application some further material detail has been provided which is considered acceptable by the Conservation Officer. The proposed materials would preserve and enhance the listed building and Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Presentation to members

The Major Applications Specialist presented the application with aerial views, plans, site photographs and a summary.