Retail, flats and guest room at Former Halifax Bank, Gainsborough

What was proposed

The application proposed two ground-floor retail units, two upper-floor apartments, a short-stay guest room and energy and building improvements.

“PROPOSAL: WL/2025/01086 - Planning application for the change of use of former bank to create 2no. ground-floor retail units, 2no. upper-floor apartments and 1no. ancillary short stay guest room, installation of roof-mounted solar PV panels, 2no. air-source heat pumps, hot-water cylinder, battery storage, green roof and modular living wall system to inner courtyard elevations, 3no.”

“WL/2025/01087 - Listed building consent for the change of use of former bank to create 2no. ground-floor retail units, 2no. upper-floor apartments and 1no. ancillary short stay guest room, installation of roof-mounted solar PV panels, 2no. air-source heat pumps, hot-water cylinder, battery storage, green roof and modular living wall system to inner courtyard elevations, 3no.”

Officer report

The site

The former bank is a three-storey Grade II listed building in the town centre and conservation area, with no on-site car parking.

“Site Description The application site is the former Halifax Building Society building located on the corner of Lord Street and Flag Alley. The building is a brick building with a modern ground floor addition to the front east and side north elevation. The internal ground floor has been amended to meet the layout needs of the former Building Society. It is a three-storey building in the town centre with no on-site car parking facility.”

“The building is a Grade II Listed Building and is located within the Gainsborough Town Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An earlier application for changes to an existing commercial office building was granted with conditions in 2025.

“146356 - Planning application for change of use and alterations to existing commercial office building to provide retail and office units - 24/04/2023 - Granted time limit plus conditions - 29/08/2025 - Grant with conditions…”

“WL/2025/00734 - Planning application for replacement windows to front 1st floor from old aluminium windows to wooden sash windows. Change of old wooden window to kitchen 1st floor rear to new wooden framed window.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would support town-centre vitality, preserve the listed building and conservation area, and provide heritage benefits outweighing the parking shortfall.

“Design, S21 Flood Risk and Water Resources, S23 Meeting Accommodation Needs, S37 Gainsborough Town Centre and Primary Shopping Area, NS41 City and Town Centre Frontages, S42 Sustainable Urban Tourism, S47 Accessibility and Transport, S49 Parking Provision, S53 Design and Amenity, S56 Development on Land Affected by Contamination, S57 The Historic Environment, S58 Protecting Lincoln, Gainsborough and Sleafords Setting and Character and S61 Biodiversity Opportunity and…”

“In light of this assessment, it is considered that the principle of development in this location is acceptable. The proposed uses would not unacceptably harm the wider retail offer of the Gainsborough Town Centre. The development would provide a single room for short stay visitors to Gainsborough. The proposed external alterations would enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area and the street scene in this town centre location.”

Officer report

Comments received

A representation supported the revised scheme, while conservation comments sought appropriate timber windows and removal of the harmful living wall.

“With the new plans including the removal of the living wall, the application will meet Policy S57. I have no objections subject to the previously raised conditions.”

“The green roof proposed to the modern flat roof sections would have no visual harm to the listed building. This would be supported by policy. • the modular living wall proposed to the rear courtyard would negatively impact upon the fabric of the listed building by retaining water on the walls.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent said the proposal would improve the building, bring upper floors back into use, create commercial units and deliver environmental benefits.

Members’ views

Members welcomed bringing the vacant building back into use, town-centre housing, improved appearance and sustainable features including the green roof.

“A Member of the Committee expressed strong support for the proposal, describing it as an excellent scheme that would bring a vacant building back into use. They noted that the former Halifax building had closed some time ago and welcomed the prompt opportunity to improve the appearance of this prominent site.”

“A further Committee Member stated that the environmental features proposed, including the green roof, were particularly welcome. They stated it would be interesting and positive to see such sustainable measures introduced into a historic building. The Member believed the scheme would enhance the town.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to conditions, including approved plans, heritage materials, service details, drainage and holiday-let restrictions.

“With no further comments the proposal to accept the Officers recommendations was duly seconded and voted upon. It was therefore agreed that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:”

“No occupation must take place until details of a scheme for the disposal of foul/surface water (including any necessary soakaway/percolation tests) from the office and flats identifying connectivity and their position has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.”

Minutes