Library roof repairs at Central Library, Kensington, London W8

What was proposed

The application proposed repairs to the pitched roofs, gutters, leaf guards and roof glazing, including like-for-like replacement of cracked panes.

“LB/26/00242 Agenda Item: N009 Address:Central Library, 12 Phillimore Walk, LONDON, W8 7RX Proposal: Repairs to existing pitched roofs at east and west ends of building, to include selective replacement, where necessary, of a number of defective lead sheets and reworking of lead detailing across the pitched roofs. Localised patch repairs to perimeter gutters will also be undertaken where required, together with installation of new leaf guards where existing ones are missing.”

Officer report

The site and its significance

The library is a Grade II* listed mid-20th-century Neo-Georgian building whose significance includes its role in London’s post-war reconstruction.

“2.Reason for committee consideration ·The [the applicant] of Kensington and Chelsea (the Council) is the applicant. 3.The site and its surroundings 3.1 Kensington Central Library is a Grade II* listed building, constructed in the mid-20th century in the Neo-Georgian style and designed by E Vincent Harris. The building has classical proportions, of red brick construction and Portland stone dressings.”

“/LB/26/00242:2 the post WWII reconstruction efforts of London. It replaced a previous library that was destroyed. 4.The proposal and any relevant planning history 4.1The application seeks consent for repairs at roof level including: ·patch repairs to the lead roof, ·repairs and re-positioning of glazed panels where necessary and ·repairs to the guttering, including reinstatement of any missing leaf guards.”

Officer report

The officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended listed building consent because controlled, minimal repairs would preserve the building’s special architectural and historic interest.

“5.Main policies and strategies relevant to the decision The development plan 5.1The main planning considerations applying to the site and the associated policies are: Local Plan Listed buildingsCD5 These policies can be read online at: ·Local Plan: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/local-plan/local- plan 6.Evaluation 6.1 The decisive issue is the impact on the special architectural and historic interest and heritage significance of this…”

Officer report

Public responses

The application was publicly advertised, but no letters supporting or objecting to it were received.

“6.8Considerable importance and weight has been attached to the need for special regard to be paid to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses, under s.16 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, as amended.”

“/LB/26/00242:4 8.2 No letters were receivedsupporting the application. 8.3No letters were receivedobjecting to the application. 9.Recommended conditions if the application is granted 1.Time limit The works hereby granted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this consent. Reason - As required by Section 18 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act) 1990, to avoid the accumulation of consents.”

Officer report

Who spoke

There were no speakers for the application.

The committee vote

Members unanimously resolved to grant listed building consent with the conditions set out for the application.

“Resolved unanimously: that listed building consent be granted with the conditions at section 9 of the officer report.”

Minutes