External museum signage at Holly Trees Museum, High Street, Colchester

“Synopsis 2.1 The application seeks Listed Building Consent for banner signage. Advertisement Consent is being sought separately under application 261173.”

“Description of the Proposal 4.1 The application seeks Listed Building Consent for the installation of new external museum signage to the west elevation.”

“Site Description and Context 3.1 The site is located at Hollytrees Museum at High Street Colchester (see site plan for location, orientation and relationship with neighbouring properties). Hollytrees Museum is a Grade I listed building situated at the entrance to Colchester Castle Park. The site is also situated within a conservation area.”

“A fine early C18 brick building, standing back from the road in its own grounds - now part of the Municipal Castle Park. Good ironwork railings with gate to the street. Built circa 1717-18, it was formerly the home of Charles Gray (1696- 1783) MP for Colchester and owner of the Castle estate; he lived here over 60 years. The west wing was added in 1748, by James Deane.”

“Conclusion 12.11 The proposed banners would constitute a minor, temporary and reversible intervention which would not materially harm the special architectural or historic interest of Hollytrees Museum. The proposal would preserve the significance of the Grade I listed building and the character and appearance of the conservation area, whilst delivering public benefits through improved wayfinding and visitor engagement.”

“The proposal represents a modest, sympathetic and reversible intervention that supports the ongoing public use of the building as a museum through improved visibility, interpretation and wayfinding. On balance, the benefits of the scheme clearly outweigh any limited visual impacts identified. Accordingly, the application is recommended for approval, subject to the conditions set out below.”

“Historic Buildings and Areas Officer: No objection. Whilst the proposed banners would introduce a contemporary element to the west elevation of the Grade I listed Hollytrees Museum and would partially interrupt certain architectural features, including the string course and blind windows, it is considered that any impact on the building's significance would be negligible and would not result in harm to its special architectural or historic interest.”

“No representations have been received at the time of writing.”

“Whilst the banners are not wholly reflective of the building's Georgian architectural character, their presence is considered visually acceptable in the context of the museum's public function and would improve the visibility and wayfinding of the attraction. Alternative banner arrangements were considered but were found to produce a more constrained and visually cluttered appearance, which would not better preserve the character of the building.”

“The physical intervention required to facilitate the works would be limited. The proposed fixings would be inserted within mortar joints rather than into the historic brickwork itself. As such, the works would be largely reversible and would not result in the loss of significant historic fabric. Had the fixings been proposed directly within the brick faces, greater heritage concerns would have arisen.”

“Time Limit The works hereby permitted shall begin before the expiration of 3 years from the date of this consent. Reason: To comply with the requirements of Section 18(1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.”

“Installation Process Notwithstanding the details hereby approved, the installation of the approved signage/banners shall be carried out solely using free standing scaffolding or other fully free standing support structures, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

“260046 & 261173 Hollytrees Museum, High Street, Colchester The Committee considered Advertisement Consent and Listed Building Consent applications for new external museum signage to the west elevation. The application was referred to the Committee because the applicant was Colchester and Ipswich Museums which was part of Colchester City Council. The Committee had before it two reports in which all information was set out.”