Building refurbishment at Jobcentre Plus Mitre House, Lancaster

“This application seeks consent for the installation of replacement roofs, windows, doors, fascias, rainwater goods and other external decoration, new covered enclosure to external ventilation plant.”

“The existing fascias are comprised of timber, and it is proposed to replace these with aluminium. The rainwater goods appear to be comprised of a mix of uPVC and cast iron and it is proposed to replace these with aluminium throughout. The external decoration is comprised of patch repairs to the render, light grey painting and cleansing through a DOFF cleaning system.”

“Mitre House is located on Church Street in the centre of Lancaster. The site forms part of the Castle area and is surrounded by a mix of residential, commercial and municipal buildings.”

“The site is located within the Lancaster Conservation Area and is within the setting of various listed buildings (Grade II listed Three Mariners c.15m to the east, Grade I listed Judges Lodgings c.5m to the south, Grade II listed 97-100 Church Street immediately to the west, Grade II listed Priory c.40m to the west and Grade II listed Round Tower c.15m to the west).”

“Sycamore (G1) - Fell to ground level and remove all arisings (x22 trees) Other Broadleaved Species (T1) - Fell to ground level and remove all arisings Sycamore (T3) - Sever Ivy to 1.5m above ground level reporting all structural defects Lime Species (T10) - Feel to ground level and remove all arisings CLOSED 06/02/2023”

“Biodiversity and trees 7.4.1 Policy DM44 states ‘A development proposal will not be permitted where there is an adverse effect on priority species and priority habitat or sites of a local or regional importance for biodiversity and/or geology, unless the benefits of the proposal outweigh the potential adverse effects.’ Where this is not possible, the proposal must ensure that adverse effects are minimised and that provision is made for mitigation and compensation…”

“Conclusion on and biodiversity and trees The proposal, if carried out, will result in the loss of established bat roosts but if the development is carried out in accordance with the compensatory and mitigation measures outlined in the bat report, adverse effects would be avoided and would not be to the detriment of the local bat population or nesting birds by providing suitable alternative nesting and roost provisions.”

“Consultee Responses Conservation Section No objection, subject to securing the following conditions/comments: - Submission of details of the proposed aluminium windows and rainwater goods. Tree Protection Officer No objection, subject to securing the following conditions/comments: - Submission of tree protection measures Lancaster Civic Society Support - Supports the maintenance works and would like to see this extended to car park and underpass outside of the site.”

“Historic England No objection subject to securing the following conditions/comments: - Attention of the applicant should be drawn to the requirements to obtain Scheduled Monument Consent should it be necessary to place footings or scaffolding upon the scheduled monument. Regeneration Officer Comments received as follows: - Placement of scaffolding will need careful consideration to avoid impacts on Scheduled Monument.”

“That the application be approved subject to the conditions in the Committee Report.”

“Upon being put to the vote, 15 Councillors voted in favour of the proposal with none against and no abstentions, whereupon the Chair declared the proposal to have been carried.”

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

“Time limit. 2. Development in accordance with approved plans. 3. Submission of details (windows and RWG). 4. Submission of slate. 5. Protected species mitigation.”