Natural Baths internal works at The Natural Baths, The Crescent, Buxton

What was proposed

The application sought listed building consent for hygiene improvements, internal alterations, new drainage trenches and associated flooring and pipework.

“Removal of the existing hygiene room and steel staircase – stripping out works for which Listed Building Consent is not required;”

“Installation of new hygiene surfaces in all rooms, corridors and service areas including installation of new hygiene doors and frames. Wall system to include vision panels through to preserved historic features and windows. The system is to be installed on a head and track system ensuring existing historic tiled walls remain undisturbed;”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The Natural Baths is a Grade II listed building in central Buxton, associated with the Grade I listed Crescent and Old Hall Hotel.

“The application relates to the Grade II Listed Natural Mineral Baths which are directly associated with the Grade I Listed The Crescent, located in the heart of Buxton.”

“As indicated on the Existing and Proposed Elevation Plans, The Natural Baths are located at street level served by an entrance door, defined by three semi-circular windows which sit underneath the three floors serving the adjacent Old Hall Hotel.”

Officer report

Earlier work at the site

Previous approvals included a 2018 listed building consent for a modern hygienic room within the existing tiled interior.

“HPK/2011/0322 & HPK/2011/0323 Full Planning and Listed Building Consent for Proposed extension and redevelopment of the Crescent & Pump Room and part of the Old Hall basement into a Spa Hotel. The Change of use of the "Bakery" at George Street from A1 to C1 for use in conjunction with the Hotel (Approved 15 th June 2011)”

“HPK/2018/0014 Listed Building Consent to construct a modern hygienic ‘room within a room’ to sit inside the existing 1920’s Art Deco style tiled walls and painted plastered ceiling (Approved 19 th March 2018)”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because public benefits from safe water extraction and sustaining Buxton’s spa heritage outweighed less than substantial historic harm.

“In line with relevant paragraphs contained under Chapter 16 of the NPPF, the degree of harm identified must be weighed against the public benefits associated with the scheme. The public benefits are as follows:”

“In the overall planning balance, Officers recommend that there are significant public benefits associated with this proposed development that on this occasion are found to outweigh the less than substantial harm to the historic significance of the Listed Building, and as s consequence the application constitutes a sustainable form of development.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Historic England and the Conservation Officer identified harm to historic interiors, while archaeology advice required investigation and monitoring conditions.

“The new hygiene white walling system will cover the remainder of the surviving tiled walls within the interior. The covering of the historic interior is harmful to the architectural and historic significance of the Listed Building as it masks the legibility of the interior. It is understood from my site meeting with the applicant that the extent of cleaning required within the space would cause damage to tiles over time if left uncovered.”

“It is also proposed to install three new drainage trenches. Historic photos demonstrate the pool was previously much larger. However, the level of 1970s intervention with the floor structure is not fully understood. It may be that the old pool was backfill but retained, or removed entirely. Therefore the level of harm caused by the proposed trenching can not be fully understood ahead of further investigation.”

Officer report

Comments from neighbours

No neighbour comments were received, and the Buxton Civic Association raised no objection subject to protection of historic features.

“Site notice Expiry date for comments: 14 th May 2026 Neighbour letters Expiry date for comments: 6 th May 2026 Press Notice Expiry date for comments: 14 th May 2026”

“No objection subject to the Borough Council’s Conservation Officer accepting that any harm caused by the covering of existing features, such as tiles is reversible and is outweighed by the public benefits of the works.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee was addressed by the agent.

The committee decision

The committee approved the application as set out in the report, subject to an amended archaeology condition from the County Archaeology service.

“That the application be approved as set out in the report, subject to the amended condition from DCC Archaeology as set out in the update sheet:”

“That in the event of any changes being needed to the wording of the Committee’s decision (such as to delete, vary or add conditions/informatives/planning obligations or reasons for approval/refusal) prior to the decision being issued, the Head of Development Services be delegated authority to do so in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, provided that the changes do not exceed the substantive nature of the Committee’s decision.”

Minutes