Guildhall remedial repairs at The Guildhall, High Street, Guildford

What was proposed

Listed building consent was sought for structural repairs, moisture management, ground-level changes and breathable finishes at the Guildhall.

“Location: The Guildhall, High Street, Guildford, GU1 3AA Proposal: Listed building consent for the remedial repairs to The Guildhall including: structural repair to the south-east corner post of the timber-framed front elevation, associated repair works to the sole plate at the base of the east elevation wall, repairs to the external diagonal timber brace, replacement of the jetty balcony soffit with permeable finishes to prevent further decay of timber floor joists and…”

“Scarf repair to the south-east corner post of the timber framed front elevation to address localised decay and structural weakness. • Insertion of a slate damp proof course at the base of the new post section to improve moisture management and prolong the life of the repaired timber. • Removal of decayed sole plate at the base of the east elevation wall in a hit and miss sequence and infilling with new brickwork in lime mortar.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions because the works addressed decay, used appropriate methods and materials, and would cause no material heritage harm.

“Decay and significant structural loss to the south-east corner posts of the front timber-framed elevation, along with associated deterioration of the adjoining sole plate, diagonal brace and timber joists forming the jetty balcony soffit have been identified.”

“Subject to the imposition of a condition to ensure that the removal of existing non-breathable finishes, together with the careful lifting and removal of external ground fabric necessary to facilitate the re-grading of the external surface are undertaken solely by hand tools, no material harm to the designated heritage asset has been identified.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Historic England offered no advice, the conservation officer raised no objection subject to a hand-tools condition, and no third-party comments were received.

“Historic England: Historic England have confirmed that they do not wish to offer advice in this instance and suggest that the views of the Council's specialist conservation and archaeological advisors are sought.”

“Conservation Officer: The Council's Principal Design and Conservation Officer has been consulted and has raised no objection to the proposal subject to the imposition of a condition to ensure certain works are carried out using hand tools.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A Development Management Specialist presented the proposal, and officers answered members’ questions about consent and public access.

The committee debate

Members discussed the difference between listed building consent and planning permission, possible closure during works, and the importance of preserving the building.

“In debate, members queried the distinction between listed building consent and full planning permission, reflecting on their own experience. Officers confirmed that the works proposed related solely to the listed building and therefore required listed building consent only.”

“Members expressed support for the application, noting the importance of preserving the building and welcoming the detailed officer presentation.”

Minutes

The vote

The Chair’s motion to delegate approval subject to conditions and the ownership notice period was seconded and carried.

“The Chair moved the motion to delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Planning to grant listed building consent for application 26/P/00245, subject to conditions, and upon the expiry of the notice period required under Certificate B of ownership. The motion was seconded by Councillor Miah and was carried.”

Minutes

The decision

Delegated authority was granted to approve listed building consent subject to conditions after the required ownership notice period expired.

“RESOLVED: That delegated authority be granted to the Assistant Director of Planning to grant listed building consent for application 26/P/00245, subject to conditions, and upon the expiry of the notice period required under Certificate B of ownership.”

Minutes