Listed building amendments at The Corn Exchange, Angel Street, Worcester

What was proposed

The application sought changes to existing listed building consents, including omitting the mezzanine opening, increasing food and drink facilities, and adding fire protection.

“The current applications before Members seek further amendments to omit the opening up of the mezzanine, increase the provision of food and beverage facilities and associated MEP services, add compliant passive fire protection and reduce internal alterations.”

“The current application seeks Listed Building Consent to make a number of amendments to existing Listed Building Consents 24/00007/LB and 24/00518/LB.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a Grade II listed former Corn Exchange in a conservation area, connected to the locally listed former Scala Theatre.

“The application site has frontages on both Angel Street and Angel Place and is situated within the Historic City Centre Conservation Area and adjacent to a number of Grade II Listed Buildings. The application site comprises a significant historic building, the Grade II Listed former Corn Exchange in the north of the city centre. The site is also connected to the Locally Listed former Scala Theatre (previously known as Shipley’s arcades).”

“Submitted Block Plan 2.3 The Grade II Listed Corn Exchange dating from 1848 is an important part of Worcester’s mercantile history. Originally a single large volume, the space has been subdivided and altered significantly over the years to suit a variety of uses, most recently as a restaurant. The façade has been modified to incorporate Crown Passage through to Wetherspoon’s yard. A mezzanine structure inserted for shop use covers part of the ground floor. The proposals…”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier applications approved the wider refurbishment, cultural use and internal alterations, while two earlier applications were withdrawn.

“The site has been the subject of the following planning applications: 22/00367/PA - Theatre/Performance venue. Pre-application Enquiry. 30 th June 2023. 22/01095/FUL - External refurbishment and extension of the former Scala theatre, including the partial demolition of the existing Public Conveniences on Angel Place and the erection of three-storey block, connected to the performance arts centre at first floor level, and conversion of the public conveniences to back of…”

“Internal alterations to the Corn Exchange to include partial demolition to first floor for new escape stair, demolition, and reconfiguration of existing walls to basement and ground floor levels, demolition to form new opening in party wall at first floor to connect the Scala performance arts centre and Corn Exchange and existing services upgraded throughout. Withdrawn. March 2024.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The conservation bodies raised no objections, West Mercia Police gave security advice, and no third-party comments had been received.

“Formal consultation, including display of site notices, has been undertaken in respect of the application. The following comments from statutory and non-statutory consultees and interested third parties have been received in relation to the original and amended proposals and are summarised as follows: Neighbours and other third party comments: No third party comments have been received to date.”

“West Mercia Police: ‘On behalf of West Mercia Police, I have assessed this application based on the likely impact on local residents and the resources of both the local authority and police. In particular, I would draw attention to the following: paragraphs 91 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) recommended that local planning authorities aim to create safe and accessible environments where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine quality of…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two architects representing the applicant spoke remotely and answered members’ questions about the proposed amendments.

Members’ debate

Members discussed security advice, future maintenance of the closed mezzanine and whether the number of ladies’ toilets could be increased.

“Committee Members questioned what the consequences of the mezzanine not being opened up as it would need maintaining whether open or not. The Service Manager – Development Management stated that there would be a requirement for the Council and the Scala as the arts theatre to maintain it. He confirmed that it would remain as it is and assumed that the Council will be seeking further opportunities for funding to be able to open it up in the future.”

“Concerns were raised by Committee Members over the reduction in the number of ladies toilets. The Senior Planning Officer explained that the 2024 previously consented scheme there was four and three are now currently proposed. This was due to updated regulations regarding WC compliant widths which now require increased clearances.”

Minutes

The vote

The proposal to approve was seconded and agreed with 11 votes for, none against and no abstentions.

“A proposal to approve the application had been made and this was seconded. There being no further points made the Chair requested the voting of each Member of the Committee who were eligible to vote. Following the recording of the votes the proposal was agreed as recommended.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted the consent subject to the conditions set out in the report.

“RESOLVED That the Committee grant planning permission, subject to the conditions set out in section 9 of the report.”

Minutes