Creative arts centre expansion at Former Bank Building/John Peel Centre, Stowmarket

What was proposed

The scheme would expand the John Peel Centre into an accessible creative arts venue with a ballroom, recording studio, café/bar and lift.

“Development of Description Planning Application. Alterations and refurbishment of the Grade II Listed 11 Market Place and some adaptation of the adjoining John Peel Centre (former Corn Exchange) to expand the John Peel Centre into a multi-use, multi-room creative arts centre, continuing the cafe/bar function established on the Market Place frontage and bringing into use a ballroom, a basement recording studio, and installing a lift to ensure broadest accessibility to as much…”

Officer report

The site and buildings

The site contains a Grade II listed former bank and adjoining former Corn Exchange in Stowmarket town centre and its conservation area.

“The application site comprises two interconnected buildings located within the parish of Stowmarket: the grade II listed former NatWest Bank at 11 Market Place and the adjoining John Peel Centre for Creative Arts, formerly the Corn Exchange. The site occupies a prominent position within the town centre and Market Place and lies within both the designated Town Centre Area and the Stowmarket Conservation Area.”

“The adjoining Corn Exchange is constructed in local polychrome brickwork and has been sympathetically converted into the John Peel Centre. The first bay of the Corn Exchange remains physically connected to the bank and is included within the listed building. The rear elevation of the bank building includes original windows at ground and first floor. The elevation facing Church Walk currently contains a clutter of various ventilation outlets and service fixtures.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions covered bank signage and internal alterations, a mixed-use change of use, and roof repairs to the listed building.

“REF: DC/17/02419 Application for Listed Building Consent - Removal of existing NatWest brand signage, night safe and ATMs together with internal alterations to remove non-original fixtures, fittings, furniture and equipment. DECISION: GTD 28.07.2017”

“REF: DC/22/04287 Listed Building Consent - Repairs to cupola, replacement flat roof section, replacement roof lights. DECISION: WDN 11.10.2022”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the scheme was acceptable in principle, well designed and its public benefits outweighed very low heritage harm.

“The design and layout of the scheme are of high quality and have been informed by detailed heritage assessment and pre-application engagement. The proposed works will result in a very low level of less than substantial harm to the significance of the designated heritage asset, which has been clearly and convincingly justified.”

“The proposal represents a sustainable and heritage-sensitive development that will deliver significant public benefits for Stowmarket and the wider district. It accords with the development plan and national policy, and there are no material considerations that indicate otherwise.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The case officer presented the applications and answered questions, while the Chair read a statement from the absent ward member.

What members discussed

Members discussed the development’s benefits, increased use of the heritage building, ballroom restoration, accessibility and the new doorway’s design and colour.

“Members debated the application on issues including: the benefits of the development proposals, the potential increased use of a heritage building, the restoration of the Victorian ballroom, the increased accessibility created by the new doorway, and the design and colour of the proposed new doorway.”

“The Case Officer responded to a further question from Members confirming that the stage area would be fully accessible.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Warboys proposed approval, Councillor Elkins seconded it, and Members voted unanimously.

“Councillor Warboys proposed that the application be approved as detailed in the Officer recommendation.”

Minutes

The committee decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to conditions covering matters including noise, events, access, drainage, lighting and heritage details.

“That Members resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to the following conditions and informatives and any others as may be deemed necessary by the Chief Planning Officer:”

“Ventilation Grilles Detail • Noise Mitigation Methods • Stage Access Provision • Construction Management Plan • Construction Surface Water Management • Proscenium Arch Structural Details • Internal Glazed Lobby Details…”

Minutes