Listed building signage and refurbishment at The Platform, Morecambe

What was proposed

The application sought listed building consent for branded signage, external redecoration and a vinyl cover over the existing internal glass ceiling.

“This application seeks Listed Building Consent for the installation of external branded signage, external redecoration works, and installation of a vinyl cover on the internal existing glass ceiling. The proposed signage to be affixed to the building includes the display of hanging signs, window poster holders and window graphics. The application has been submitted following a formal pre- application enquiry with the Local Planning Authority.”

Officer report

The site and setting

The Platform occupies a prominent corner position in a Grade II listed former station building within Morecambe Conservation Area.

“The site for this listed building application is the former Promenade Station building, which now operates as The Platform, an events venue run by the City Council. The former station building is Grade II listed and lies within the Morecambe Conservation Area, opposite the Grade II* listed Midland Hotel and its Grade II listed walls and entrance piers. The Platform also falls within a Regeneration Priority Area and the Morecambe Area Action Plan (MAAP).”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Recent approved applications covered refurbishment, roof plant, heating, rainwater goods and cameras.

“The property has an extensive planning history. The most recent applications include:”

“Application Number Proposal Decision 13/01105/FUL Refurbishment of building including replacement roof plant and installation of two CCTV cameras Approved 13/01106/LB Listed Building Application for the refurbishment of the building including installation of new heating system, works to the roof and rainwater goods, removal of some roof plant and installation of two new cameras Approved…”

Officer report

The officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions, finding the works acceptable, reversible and outweighed by public benefits supporting continued cultural use.

“The proposed signage, redecoration and black-out vinyl is required to enable the Listed Building to continue to function as a cultural arts events venue, an important building on Morecambe’s seafront. Subject to conditions, the works are considered acceptable in terms of design and fixing and are also reversible. On balance, the proposal results in less than substantial harm to the significance of the Listed Building, which is outweighed by the public benefits identified.”

“That Listed Building Consent BE GRANTED subject to the following conditions:”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Conservation Team had no objection subject to amendments; Morecambe Town Council and Historic England did not respond, and no public comments were received.

“Consultee Response Morecambe Town Council No response received. Historic England No response received. Conservation Team No objection, subject to proposed amendments to redecoration colours and panel design above the main doorways.”

“No responses have been received from members of the public in response to the publicity of the application.”

Officer report

The main heritage issue

Officers considered the signage, paint and blackout vinyl would cause minor or less than substantial harm, mitigated by design, reversibility and continued venue use.

“The signage proposed with this application is considered to be appropriate for the building. Where possible, the proposed signage replaces existing sign boards, and where new signs are proposed these have been sensitively designed and located. The proposed design is based on a modern interpretation of the building’s history, and creates a consistent and distinct identity for the cultural venue.”

“It is proposed to install blackout adhesive vinyl to the roof lantern in what is now used as the primary events space. Event promoters require the ability to fully black out the internal space, and the current inability to do this deters some promoters from booking the venue. The vinyl would be white to the interior facing side, and barely discernible externally given that it would be applied internally to the existing roof glazing.”

Officer report

The committee motion

A councillor proposed approval subject to the conditions in the committee report, and another councillor seconded the motion.

The vote

Thirteen councillors voted for the proposal, with none against and no abstentions.

“Upon being put to the vote, 13 Councillors voted in favour of the proposal with none against and no abstentions, whereupon the Chair declared the proposal to have been carried.”

Minutes

The final decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions covering timescale, amended plans and paint details.

“That the application be approved subject to the following conditions:”

“Standard Listed Building Timescale. 2. Amended Plans and Details. 3. Details of Paint Colour, Paint Type and Precise Areas to be Painted.”

Minutes