Timber pub awning at The Lion Public House, Bognor Regis

What was proposed

The application sought to retain a timber pergola providing a covered seating area at the front of the public house.

“DESCRIPTION OF APPLICATIONThe application seeks the retention of a timber pergola to the front of the existing public house. BOUNDARY TREATMENTThe site has a low level brick wall along the front and side boundaries. SITE CHARACTERISTICSThe site is occupied by a Grade II Listed Building which is a two storey detached building with gabled tiled roof. There is a large patio to the front of building divided by the entrance path and enclosed by a dwarf wall.”

Officer report

Earlier permission

A 2020 application for a wooden pergola was approved temporarily for 12 months, and permanent permission was later sought.

“P/113/20/PLErection of a wooden Pergola to front elevation. This application affects the setting of a listed building & the site is in CIL Zone 4 (Zero Rated) as other development. ApproveConditionally 01-02-21”

“Permission was approved for the structure in 2020 which was for a temporary permission for 12 months due to the comments made by the Conservation Officer. Permission is now sought for a permanent permission. REPRESENTATIONS Pagham Parish Council - Objection. P/106/25/PL”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the structure modest, open and visually acceptable, with no significant harm to neighbours and public benefits supporting the business outweighing limited heritage harm.

“Paragraph 215 requires where a development proposal will lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset, this harm should be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal including, where appropriate, securing its optimum viable use.”

“The Conservation Officer has been consulted and states: 'The pergola is positioned directly in front of the principal elevation of the listed building, which is a key contributor to the building's significance. Its placement in this location results in a greater impact than if it were situated to the side or rear, where it would be less visually and historically intrusive.”

Officer report

Objections and consultation

The parish council objected because the structure obscured and harmed the listed building, while the Conservation Officer identified less than substantial harm.

“No representations received from nearby occupiers. COMMENTS ON REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED: Noted. CONSULTATIONS CONSULTATION RESPONSES RECEIVED: Conservation Officer - The impact can be described as causing less than substantial harm and public benefits will need to be considered. COMMENTS ON CONSULTATION RESPONSES: Comments noted.”

Officer report

Public speakers

No public speakers addressed the committee.

Members’ discussion

Members generally supported approval, noting the structure was removable, benefited the pub and was not attached to the listed building.

“The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Bence and seconded by Councillor BBC.”

“Members discussed the application and generally supported the officer’s recommendation. Councillor Gunner stated that the structure was not attached to the listed building and therefore would not cause harm, adding that it could be removed easily without impact. Councillor Kelly queried whether the canopy was a temporary structure, and officers confirmed it was a fixed structure requiring planning permission.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee unanimously approved the application conditionally.

“That the application be APPROVED CONDITIONALLY.”

Minutes