Beach chalet facades at Beach Chalets All, Beach Parade, Worthing

The site and its setting

The chalets sit on the beachfront promenade, are locally listed, and lie within the Steyne Gardens conservation area.

“Site and Surroundings The beach chalets are located on Beach Parade, the beachfront promenade, to the south of Beach House Gardens. The site is varied in character with Splashpoint Leisure Centre to the east and Coast cafe and Denton Gardens to the west. Some of the beach chalets are occupied by local businesses. The chalets are on the local interest list with the following description: “This row of Beach chalets adds to the vernacular of this seaside town.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because aluminium required less coastal maintenance and the public benefits of upgrading the chalets outweighed lower-level conservation harm.

“The applicant has provided further information on the system chosen and how it compares with two other types of windows including a steel Crittal window and a Comar window. The Colmar window was discounted due to the larger frames which would have a bulkier appearance (72mm) compared to the 58mm profiles of the other two products.”

“As noted in the previous report, the proposals represent a chance to upgrade the existing beach chalets which have fallen into a state of disrepair. The proposed aluminium frames are considered to be a good alternative to the existing facades and would require less maintenance compared to steel counterparts. The proposal is considered to cause less than substantial harm to the conservation area but this is at the lower end of the scale.”

Officer report

Heritage views and objections

The Worthing Society initially preferred powder-coated Crittall windows, while the conservation architect identified some loss of character from aluminium details.

“In summary, the Society objects to this Planning Application. We consider the proposed materials will not reflect the historical integrity of the Beach Chalets and will have a negative impact on the Rowing Club building and the character of the Conservation Area. This would not be consistent with the Planning (Listed Buildings Conservation Areas) Act 1990 or Policy DM 24 of the Local Plan.”

“The proposed aluminium sections are quite flat looking compared to the current Crittall. Some of the glazing bars are stuck on with an internal spacer between the sheets of glass. Although the overall fenestration form of the proposed windows appear acceptable, the detail differences will be noticeable. I was reminded that this building is now within the Conservation Area, and hence we are trying to preserve or enhance.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A Worthing Society representative withdrew its objection, and a supporter described funding for 17 chalets and planned repairs.

Members’ discussion

Members accepted the supplied details and considered aluminium the best current option, while seeking public information about the chalets’ heritage.

“During debate Members concurred that they were completely satisfied with all details supplied by the applicant and felt that, whilst in an ideal world Crittal would be used, in the current situation this application was the best option. The Committee expressed a desire to have some signage near the chalets explaining about the heritage details and the reasons for the renovation.”

Minutes

The vote

Members unanimously supported the officers’ recommendation with an added informative requesting heritage signage.

“A proposal was put forward to accept the Officers recommendation with an added informative requesting signage explaining the heritage details. This was seconded and voted in favour of unanimously.. 3”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved with an informative requesting a public information board and four conditions covering plans, timing, materials and preparation.

“Decision - Approved. Informative to be added to request that a public information board be included, with a summary of the history of the Beach Chalets and changes to their original appearance and new facades.”

“Approved plans. Standard time limit. Materials as specified 4. Frames to be pre-anodised prior to powder coating…”

Minutes