Community hub refurbishment at Former, Holy Trinity Church, Colchester

“The key external works relating to this planning application are listed below and the submission is made to update the drawings originally approved under condition 2 of planning permission 252041. The majority of changes comapared to the originally approved scheme relate to internal changes within the Church, covered within the Listed Building application 261277.”

“The modification of the existing door of the West Elevation (North Aisle), to create escape and active window into the space. • New opening formed on the East Elevation (North Chapel), to create a fire exit door. • The addition of air source heat pumps on the North Elevation and the installation of a refuse enclosure to the north of the Vestry. • The installation of solar PV panels on the roof.”

“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…”

“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”

“The NPPF (2026) provides that when proposals that affect designated heritage assets would cause such harm to their significance, clear and convincing justification is required (Policy HE4.2), as well as public benefits to outweigh this harm (Policy HE6.4).”

“There are significant public benefits including the provision of this community and commercial facility and the restoration works that outweigh any residual harm issues as explained above. Attention is drawn to the applicant’s supporting comments detailed near the start of this report.Conditions will be applied to ensure the works are sympathetic to the Heritage Assets, and protect vegetation and wildlife.”

“261283 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 application for variation of a condition 2 following grant of planning permission 252041 (original description on 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,…”

“ZPD - Limits to Hours of Work No demolition or construction work shall take place outside of the following times: Weekdays: 08:00-18:00 Saturdays: 08:00-13:00 Sundays and Bank Holidays: No working Reason: To ensure that the construction phase of the development hereby permitted is not detrimental to the amenity of the area and/or nearby residents by reason of undue noise at unreasonable hours.”

“Z00 - Reporting of Unexpected Contamination In the event that historic land contamination is found at any time when carrying out works in relation to the development, it must be reported in writing immediately to the Local Planning Authority and all development shall cease immediately.”