Listed building conversion at Civic Centre, Armada Way, Plymouth

What was proposed

The application proposed apartments, education space, commercial uses, demolition, facade changes, public realm works, parking changes and associated works.

“26/00424/FUL Conversion to residential apartments (Class C3), education space including ancillary cafe, salon, spa, office (Class F1a), restaurant (Class Eb), part demolition, alterations to elevations…”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier consents covered conversion to 144 homes and mixed uses, listed-building works, amendments, condition discharges, tree works and advertisement hoardings.

“19/00439/FUL Conversion to 144 residential units (Class C3) and mixed uses including A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, D1 & D2 uses, part demolition, glazed extension , alterations to elevation including new cladding, new public realm including staircase, parking and associated works - Granted Conditionally 27.04.2020”

“19/00440/LBC Internal and external works to convert building (inc part demolition), glazed extension, alterations to elevation including new cladding, public realm and associated works - Granted Conditionally 27.04.2020”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers found less than substantial heritage harm but considered repairs, reuse, public access, housing and other public benefits sufficient to support approval with conditions.

“It is concluded that the following works will result in less than substantial harm to the Grade II Listed building: * Loss, replacement and design of east and west façades. Harm is mitigated through the retention of key features of the existing design (glazing, variation in depth, Fibonacci pattern within cladding) * Civic sign on roof. Harm is mitigated through its reversible nature. * Installation of bridge link.”

“* Bringing a vacant listed building back into use, allowing essential repairs to be undertaken to the heritage asset and safeguarding its long term use * Delivery of city centre housing, contributing to housing delivery and associated benefits to the city centre * Improvements to listed park and garden * Public access days/public accessibility to the roof * Creation of new public realm including new urban green street to improve permeability, tree planting and biodiversity…”

Officer report

What consultees said

Heritage consultees supported or accepted parts of the scheme but sought further detail, while Historic England said its concerns had been addressed.

“Historic England: Have engaged in long and detailed pre-application discussions over the last year. Reassured that concerns, comments and input have been positively addressed, notably relating to the composition of the facade and the design of the escape stair. In this case not offering advice and comments should not be interpreted as a comment on the merits of the application. Suggest seek views of specialist conservation and archaeological advisers.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The report was presented by the Strategic Developments Manager, and the agent spoke for the applicant.

Committee discussion

During discussions, members agreed an amendment adding details of 50 visitor cycle spaces within or near the site.

“During discussions, Councillor Goslin proposed the following amendment, which was seconded by Councillor Freeman and agreed by the Committee:”

“Condition Number Amendment Type Amendment Wording 14 – Condition Landscape Details Addition Details of 50 visitor cycle spaces to be located on or within 50m of the site.”

Minutes