Cleaning two statues at Open Space At St Peters Hill, Grantham

What was proposed

The application sought listed building consent for low-pressure steam cleaning of two bronze statues, excluding the plinth and using no chemicals.

“This application is seeking Listed Building Consent for the DOFF cleaning of the bronze statues, which uses lower pressure steam, without the use of chemicals to avoid unnecessary harm to the historic fabric.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The statues are Grade II listed and stand at the Guildhall Arts Centre within Grantham town centre’s Civic Centre Character Area.

“The application site comprises 2 statues which are Grade II Listed: the Statue of Sir Isaac Newton (NHLE 1261634) and The Statue of Honourable Frederick James Tollemache (NHLE 1360283). The site is located within the Grantham town centre, which falls within the Civic Centre Character Area of the Grantham Conservation Area.”

Officer report

The officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the cleaning would avoid chemical damage, preserve historic fabric and not harm the statues’ significance.

“Furthermore, the importance of considering the impact of development on the significance of designated heritage assets is expressed in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The NPPF advises that development and alterations to designated assets and their settings can cause harm. These policies ensure the protection and enhancement of the historic buildings and environments.”

“The cleaning process proposed is to be undertaken without the use of chemical which could negatively impact upon the fabric. There is the potential for the works to remove the existing patina, which would need to be re-applied as final step of the cleaning process to avoid oxidation of the bronze. This step is to be ensured by the provision of a detailed methodology by the contractor.”

Officer report

Consultation and public views

Grantham Town Council raised no objection, while publicity produced no letters of representation.

“Grantham Town Council We have no objections to the proposal and trust the planning officer's expertise in making an appropriate decision.”

“Representations as a Result of Publicity The application has been advertised in accordance with the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement and no letters of representation have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

There were no public speakers.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed oxidation, the plinth, the application’s committee referral, specialist conservation advice and responsibility for any damage.

“During questions to officers and debate, Members commented on the following:”

“- It was queried whether the application could have been dealt with under delegated powers. It was confirmed that the application was brought to committee for transparency given that SKDC were the applicant. - Concern was noted by a member whether the work would cause oxidisation. This was confirmed not to be the case as patina would be reapplied during the works to prevent oxidisation. - It was noted that the plinth did not require cleaning.”

Minutes

The decision and conditions

The committee agreed to approve listed building consent, requiring an approved cleaning methodology, compliance with it and completion within three years.

“It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director for Planning & Growth to APPROVE listed building consent subject to conditions:”

“The works hereby consented shall be commenced before the expiration of three years from the date of this consent.”

Minutes