Listed building alterations at Council Offices, London Road, Saffron Walden

The site

The site is the modern part of a Grade II listed former hospital used as council offices within a conservation area.

“The application site comprises the modern part of a multistorey Grade II listed building (since 1987) (since 1987), the former Saffron Walden Hospital, currently serving as the Council Offices for Uttlesford District Council, located within development limits in Saffron Walden.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier listed-building applications and the related 2025 applications were approved with conditions.

“The site has a track record of planning history dating back to 1954, the most recent and relevant planning history listed below: Reference Proposal Decision UTT/15/1722/LB Cut out internal doorway in emergency centre wall, remove internal dividing wall and build new wall creating a larger office area. Approved with conditions (30.07.2015) UTT/15/2413/LB Replacement of top floor galvanised window units.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers found the amendments acceptable because they would preserve the listed building and avoid harm to the conservation area, and recommended approval with conditions.

“Place Services Built Heritage (Conservation) reported that all proposed internal and external works are confined to the modern western extension, constructed in the 1980s, and do not affect the historic core of the listed building. Furthermore, the proposed air conditioning units and louvre are located on the west elevation, which is not a prominent location.”

“The proposed amendments would preserve the fabric and special interest of the Grade II listed building (The Old Hospital), without causing ‘less than substantial harm’ to its significance. Therefore, the development would comply with paragraph 215 of the NPPF, section 16(2) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, and policy ENV1 and ENV2 of the current and emerging Local Plan.”

Officer report

Public representations

A site notice, neighbour letters and a newspaper notice were used, and representations were received.

“A site notice was displayed on site and notification letters were sent to nearby properties. The application has also been the subject of a press notice in the local newspaper and representations have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The District Wide Team Leader presented the application and recommended approval subject to the report’s conditions.

Members’ discussion

There were no questions or debate on the application.

“There were no questions or debate on the application.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Councillors proposed and seconded approval, and the committee authorised the Strategic Director of Planning to grant permission subject to conditions.

“Councillor Feeman proposed approval of the application, and this was seconded by Councillor Lemon.”

“RESOLVED that the Strategic Director of Planning be authorised to grant permission for the development subject to the conditions set out in section 17 of the report- A) Conditions…”

Minutes