ATM and accessible ramp at 14 Market Place, Fakenham

“PF/26/0688 Pending Consideration Installation of new ATM in part of existing ground floor window opening, and accessible ramp with railings…”

“THE APPLICATION 14 Market Place is a Grade II Listed Building set within Fakenham Conservation Area and the Town Centre. This application seeks listed building to install an ATM in part of the existing ground floor window opening, and an accessible ramp with railings. The application is accompanied by relevant planning permission and advertisement applications, which are reported concurrently to this meeting…”

“Within Settlement Boundary of Fakenham Town Centre Area (Fakenham) Grade II Listed Building Conservation Area - Fakenham Primary Shopping Area Primary Retail Frontage Within Settlement Boundary of Fakenham Town Centre Area (Fakenham)”

“It is important to note that paragraph 212 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires Local Planning Authorities to give great weight to the conservation of heritage assets. Conservation and Design Officers have objected to the proposal citing that the proposal would result in harm to designated heritage assets - both the host property and the wider Fakenham Conservation Area.”

“The resultant impact of the ATM and the accessible ramp would interfere with the symmetry of the front elevation of the affected Grade II Listed Building, a feature that gains its significance from its balanced proportions and detailing, thereby resulting in harm to the designated heritage asset. The proposal is therefore considered to be contrary to Local Plan Policy ENV7 as it would fail to preserve or enhance the designated heritage asset.”

“In respect of other material considerations, the Development Committee should also be aware that there has been a recent approval to install a defibrillator and bleed kit to the front façade. Whilst some harm was identified from this alteration, the public benefits from this clearly outweighed the much more limited heritage harm. The defibrillator and bleed kit are significantly smaller and less obtrusive additions than the proposal being considered under this application.”

“Officers have carefully assed the benefits arising from the application and where possible have afforded positive weight to these aspects. However, the harm arising to heritage assets is considerable and note consideration of similar proposals under a previous appeal. Officers guide members that significant weight must be given to the protection of heritage assets and afford weight to the appeal decision.”

“Fakenham Town Council – Support A further statement was also submitted later by the Town Council requesting that its view as the democratically elected representative body for local residents, be given significant weight and that every effort be made to facilitate the installation of this important facility.”

“Conservation and Design – Objection The previous scheme only involved installing an ATM, this revised scheme would be inherently more impactful and result in greater harm to the character and appearance of the listed heritage asset.”

“The Case Officer, PO-NW, introduced applications PF/26/0688, LA/26/0696 and ADV/26/0689 as a single presentation as all three applications collectively applied for the installation of an internally illuminated ATM and accessible ramp with railings at 14 Market Place, Fakenham. The applications were voted upon separately.”

“See Minute 17 (PF/26/0688) for details of the Committee debate relating to this application.”

“Cllr P Fisher proposed, seconded by Cllr K Toye, acceptance of the Officers’ recommendation for refusal.”

“That Planning Application LA/26/0696 be REFUSED in accordance with the Officers’ recommendation.”