Opera house roof repairs at Buxton Opera House, Water Street, Buxton

“This application seeks Listed Building consent for various roof works, repairs and replacement sections as well as alterations to support the future re-instatement of original design features.”

“The asphalt repair works comprise the removal of existing flat roof coverings to facilitate the future installation of louvred external natural ventilation outlets, and a combination of repairing existing sections and full replacement of other sections dependant on roof condition. Where removal is required new insulation and underlying layers will be installed with a new warm roof build up incorporating both insulation and waterproofing systems.”

“The application site refers to the Buxton Opera House which forms a cluster of Listed Buildings.”

“The application site is a Grade II Listed Building, which lies within the setting of the Grade II* Registered Historic Pavilion Park and Garden and stands within the Buxton Central Conservation Area.”

“HPK/2017/0017 - Listed Building Consent for proposed repointing and renovation works to the external walls; replacement of the existing lantern roof deck, roof covering and finial; replacement of some sections of the rwp's and soil stacks and painting of the new and existing rwp's and soil stacks; repainting of the external faces of the existing window frames; replacement of 2 existing internal structural beams including associated decorations APPROVED 01/03/2017”

“HPK/2025/0375 – Listed Building Consent - a targeted, intrusive refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey as well as an intrusive structural survey…”

“The development works have been designed sensitively so that they would have as minimal an impact upon the exterior appearance of the listed building as possible, with repairs to roof sections which would not be visible within the public domain due to their orientation and/or screening from other sections of the Opera House roofline.”

“In conclusion whilst the proposals would have a very minimal impact on the heritage asset, and any minor impact would be cleared outweighed by the significant public benefits of renovating and future proofing of a historic building which is open to the public to ensure its structural integrity and prevent water damage. The works would continue to sustain the historic fabric of the Listed Building as well as the wider Conservation Area.”

“One public comment has been received from Buxton Civic Association which states “No objection subject to the views of the Conservation Officer…”

“The Buxton Opera House is a Grade II* listed building located within the Buxton Central Conservation Area. The Opera house was constructed in 1901 – 03, designed by Frank Matcham as a purpose-built Opera House. The building has since been used as a cinema, converted back to a theatre in the 1970s.”

“That Listed Building Consent be granted as set out in the report:”

“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.”