Pathway resurfacing at St Marys Church, Bury St Edmunds

What was proposed

The applications sought permission and listed building consent to replace the existing gravel and hoggin path with a buff or natural-coloured tar-and-chip surface and timber edging.

“Proposal: 1. Planning permission and listed building consent are sought for resurfacing works to a path behind St Marys Chuch. The proposal is part of the Abbey of St Edmund Reborn Project, to replace the existing gravel and hoggin pathway, with a new tar-and-chip surface course.”

“A buff or natural-coloured aggregate will be selected to harmonize with the historic surroundings. Timber edging will be introduced to all adjacent planted verges to provide a defined and sympathetic boundary.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The joint pedestrian and vehicle path runs beside the church and extends to St Margarets Gate; the report records earlier tree and church works applications.

“Site details: 4. The application site, St Mary’s Church pathway, runs along the church building’s northern edge, spanning east to west on approximately half the length of the church. The pathway extends to St Margarets Gate with its eastern edge abutting to the existing Great Churchyard footpath leading to remains of the Chapel of charnel. It is a joint pedestrian and vehicle pathway.”

Officer report

What officers advised

Officers considered the works acceptable because they would respect the church, conservation area and Abbey Gardens, protect trees, and avoid harm to the listed building.

“The proposal seeks to improve the connectivity and pathways into and out of the Abbey Gardens, forming a circular route to highlight 3 churches within the Conservation Area. The pathway is located to the rear of St Mary’s Church and retains the street scene within the Conservation Area. Following consultation with the Conservation Officer it has been confirmed that the proposed works will not affect the setting of St Mary’s Church and there are no objections.”

“The proposal includes the resurfacing of a footpath to the northern edge of St Mary’s Church; a Grade I listed building. The Conservation Officer confirmed in her response that she has no objections to the proposal and that it will not affect the setting of the listed building. The proposal will not adversely affect the significance of the listed building and respects the character and historic fabric of the listed structure.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The Conservation Officer and Historic England had no objections, while County Archaeology had no objection subject to a written investigation scheme.

“The below comments are the most recent responses received, as summarised. The comments can be viewed in full on the public casefile, via the link at the bottom of the report.”

“Suffolk County Council – Archaeology: No objection subject to written scheme of investigation condition.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillors Jim Thorndyke, Carol Bull and Sara Mildmay-White proposed or seconded the applications in turn.

How members voted

Members voted unanimously to grant the planning application and then unanimously to grant listed building consent.

“In view of the two separate recommendations the Chair proposed that Members first consider the planning application and take a vote on that element prior to considering the Listed Building Consent.”

“Councillor Sara Mildmay-White proposed that the Listed Building Consent be granted, as per the Officer recommendation, and this was duly seconded by Councillor Jim Thorndyke.”

Minutes

What the committee decided

The committee granted planning permission and listed building consent, subject to commencement, approved-document, tree-protection and archaeological conditions.

“Planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:”

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

Minutes