Community hub in former church at Former, Holy Trinity Church, Colchester

“Description of the Proposal 4.1 The proposal is to update the listed building approval ref: 252042 to reflect amendments required for a new operator. The proposal is also to update the existing building drawings, following external stone and roof repairs under application 250384.”

“Site Description and Context 3.1 The site lies within the Conservation Area and comprises the former Holy Trinity Church and its graveyard. The former church is a Grade I Listed Building. Holy Trinity was made redundant in 1956 and was briefly a museum and later, an arts centre and café. The re-use of the building has struggled to achieve long term viability, with the associated graveyard becoming increasingly cut off from the wider community.”

“DC0901MWeV11 3.2 In 2021, Historic England provided an Advice Note which identified a number of defects which were the reason why the church qualified as being ‘at risk’ and was added to the Heritage at Risk Register.”

“Relevant Planning History 6.1 252042 Application for listed building consent for the repair and refurbishment of existing former church building to form new Community Hub, including installation of signage, art sculptures to railings (x8), and wall artwork. (Revised Description) Approved 28.11.25”

“252041 Repair and refurbishment of existing former church building previously used as commercial space and storage, to form new Community Hub with Historic Interpretation experience, including installation of signage, art sculptures to railings (x8), and wall artwork plus drainage works – Approved 4.12.25”

“It is considered that the anticipated harm to significance of the listed building has satisfactorily been mitigated. Further mitigation will be secured by the use of suitable planning conditions similar to those applied previously.”

“As concluded on the previous similar approved scheme, the expected outcomes of the project (repairs, use to secure maintenance income, public accessibility and interpretation) are considered to represent significant public benefits that outweigh the identified harm, to meet the test that is set out in Policy HE6 of the NPPF.”

“Any public good the alteration provides can also be considered and weighted against harm. Application has partially addressed previous objection issues in relation to toilets some of which are now located more appropriately in eastern extension freeing up attractive lettable space. • Access for all toilet and baby changing remains in northern section of the church.”

“DC0901MWeV11 attractive windows and demands a fire escape. The fire escape requires cutting a large opening beneath the east window of the north chapel. This balcony provision generates substantial harm to the character both internally and externally to the grade one listed building. No firm demonstration that these changes, which marginally increase floor area, are for the public good.”

“261277 Holy Trinity Church Colchester Cllr Linghorn-Baker declared a non-pecuniary interest as Director of Amphora and recused himself from the item, The Committee considered an update to listed building approval 252042 to reflect amendments required for new operator, and also update to the existing building drawings, following external stone and roof repairs under application 250384, proposal description remains the same as previous application as follows: Application for…”

“The Committee had before it a report in which all information was set out. The Recommendation was Approval. RESOLVED (UNANIMOUSLY)that: the application be approved as per Officer recommendation.”

“Full details including all materials together with detailed drawings of the abutments with external walls, arcade piers, roof soffit and internal elevations including termination at west end to be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority f) WC’s to be structurally independent of the historic fabric and prior to installation, full details to be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority including detailed plans and elevations,…”