Museum gallery alterations at Worcester City Museum And Library, Worcester

What was proposed

The application sought internal gallery alterations, wall panelling, replacement and new air-conditioning units, a store cupboard and frameless glass doors.

“Application Number 26/00440/LB Site Address Worcester City Museum and Art Gallery, Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DT Description of Development Listed building consent for internal alterations to galleries on first floor including wall panelling, replacement air conditioning units in galleries 5, 6 and 7, new store cupboard, new frameless glass doors to gallery 6, new air conditioning units to main Art Gallery and Watercolour Gallery.”

“The proposals 3.1 Listed Building Consent is sought for internal alterations to galleries on first floor including wall panelling, replacement air conditioning units in galleries 5, 6 and 7, a new store cupboard, new frameless glass doors to gallery 6 and new air conditioning units to the main Art Gallery and Watercolour Gallery.”

Officer report

The site and building

The museum and art gallery occupies the first floor of a Grade II* listed civic building in a conservation area.

“The site contains Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, which is situated on the first floor of the property, which is a Grade II* Listed Building and a prominent civic landmark within the Foregate Street and The Tything Conservation Area, occupying a key position on Foregate Street. The building dates to 1896 and is constructed of red brick with terracotta dressings and stone detailing.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

There was no relevant planning history, although recent ground-floor internal works were approved in February 2026.

“Planning History 5.1 There is no relevant planning history associated with the site. The below application on the ground floor of the building was however approved recently: 5.2 25/01062/LB - Internal works, including blocking of two arched openings and removal of panelling. Approved 13 February 2026. Consultations 6.1 Formal consultation, including the display of a site notice, has been undertaken in respect of the application.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the works would preserve the building’s significance, provide heritage benefits and support its continuing public use.

“The works would provide public benefits in terms of sustaining and enhancing the Museum and Art Gallery use as the current optimal public use of the building, providing enhancements to facilities and improved air conditioning which is necessary to provide an appropriate internal environment for visitors, staff and collections., it is concluded that the modest harm is outweighed.”

“On balance, the submitted scheme is considered well designed in conservation terms, appropriate to the special interest and historic significance of the Grade II* listed building and will provide heritage and public benefits without harm to the significance of the listed building. On the whole, the proposals would conserve the significance and special architectural and historic interest of the listed building and its setting.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Conservation Officer and Historic England had no objections, while the regulatory services and archaeology consultees raised no substantive concerns.

“[the applicant] Conservation Officer: No objection From the point of view of the historic environment the main statutory tests are set out within the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Sections 16 (LBC) and 66 (PP) require that special regard be given to the desirability of preserving or enhancing listed buildings, their settings or any features of special architectural or historic interest which they possess.”

“Archaeology Advisor: No Comments The Archaeology Advisor offered no comments deferring to the Conservation Officer. Members have been given the opportunity to read all representations that have been received in full. At the time of writing this report no other consultation responses have been received. Any additional responses received will be reported to members verbally or in the form of a late paper, subject to the date of receipt. 7.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Head of Museums and Tourism and the Head of Property and Asset Management spoke for the applicant.

Members’ debate

The applicants explained the wider project and answered questions, while members expressed strong support for displaying the city’s art collection.

“The applicant (Head of Museums and Tourism) informed Committee Members that the application forms part of a wider project which moved the Worcestershire Soldier display to the Commandery, which had been before Committee previously, and equips the old galleries in the Art Gallery and Museum to display the City’s important collection of fine art.”

“The applicants both responded to questions and comments from Committee Members about various aspects of the proposals.”

Minutes

The vote

Members agreed the proposal unanimously, with 11 votes for, no votes against and no abstentions.

“A proposal to approve the application had been made and this was seconded.”

“There being no further points made the Chair requested the voting of each Member of the Committee who were eligible to vote. Following the recording of the vote the proposal was agreed.”

Minutes

The decision

Listed building consent was granted subject to the conditions set out in the officer report.

“RESOLVED: That the Committee grant Listed Building Consent, subject to conditions set out in section 9 of the report.”

Minutes

Conditions

The conditions covered commencement, approved plans, details for reinstated leaded-light panels and matching materials.

“The development hereby permitted shall be carried out and completed in accordance with the following approved plans and documents and the specifications and recommendations contained therein, except where otherwise stipulated by conditions attached to this permission.”

“Prior to the removal of the existing extract fans in the north windows of Gallery 7 and the reinstatement of leaded light glazed panels, details of the proposed design and materials shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The works shall thereafter be carried out in accordance with the approved details.”

Officer report