Food hall and community space at Retford Town Hall Buttermarket, Retford

What was proposed

The application proposed food and drink sales, local community uses, internal refurbishment, and minor repairs and alterations to the Buttermarket.

“Application Reference 25/00484/FUL Site Address Retford Town Hall Buttermarket Retford Nottinghamshire DN22 6DU Proposal Use for Sale of Food and Drink (Class E(b)) and Local Community Uses (Class F2) with Internal Refurbishment and Minor Elevation Repairs and Alterations Link to Planning Documents…”

“PROPOSAL 1.6. The application proposes to change the use of the ground floor of Retford Town Hall, namely Buttermarket, to the sale of food and drink (Class E(b)) and Local Community uses (Class F2), along with internal refurbishment and minor elevation repairs and alterations. The site also includes the ground floor toilets and existing kitchen to the rear of the building.”

Officer report

The site

Retford Town Hall is a grade II listed building in the conservation area, within the town centre and Flood zone 2.

“SITE CONTEXT 1.2. Retford Town Hall is a grade II Listed Building, on the south of Retford Square between the centre and the west end opening to Chancery Lane in East Retford Conservation Area. The site can be accessed from Market Square, Town Hall Yard Lane or from the service yard off Chancery Lane.”

“It is also situated within the setting of a range of other Listed Buildings, mostly grade II but also including the grade II* Retford War Memorial.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the scheme would support town-centre vitality, tourism, employment and community use while protecting heritage and residential amenity.

“The application site is located within the defined development boundary of Retford and forms part of an established town centre, making it a sustainable location for a mixed-use scheme comprising food and drink sales and local community uses. The proposal introduces a degree of diversification that is expected to enhance footfall and contribute positively to the Town…”

“The scheme is considered to preserve the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building, maintain the character and appearance of the Conservation Area, and respect the setting of nearby heritage assets. The development would incorporate a safe and appropriate means of access and is not expected to compromise highway safety. Furthermore, it is not anticipated to result in any adverse impact on the residential amenity of neighbouring properties.”

Officer report

Advice from consultees

Highways and environmental health raised no objection subject to conditions, and conservation officers withdrew their initial objection after amendments.

“Consultation Responses NCC Highways No objection. Environmental Health No objection subject to conditions and informatives. Conservation Initial objection and required further amendments to the scheme. The amendments received addressed these concerns. No objection was raised to the amended proposal subject to conditions. Historic England No comments Retford Town Centre Neighbourhood Planning No response received at the time this report was written.”

Officer report

What people said

One letter supported the proposal, while 11 objections raised concerns about heritage, shared community use, access, business impacts, consultation and fast food.

“Support: 1 letter of support from the district councillor.”

“Raising the following material considerations: - Impact on the character of a historic building - Concerns regarding fixed kiosks limiting potential for shared use and community events - Proposal may promote fast food culture, contrary to public health policies.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A council economic growth officer and a ward member spoke in support, while an objector spoke against the application.

Members’ debate

Members asked material and non-material questions, which were answered by the Head of Planning and Place and Conservation Manager.

“Members asked several material and non-material questions during the debate. These questions and comments were addressed by the Head of Planning and Place and Conservation Manager.”

“In conclusion, the Chair summarised the debate.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

“Recommendation of the Head of Planning and Place: Grant Planning Permission Subject to Conditions.”

“Committee Decision Resolved that: Grant Planning Permission Subject to Conditions.”

Minutes

Permission conditions

The permission included conditions covering approved plans, cooking-smell flues and continued service access from Chancery Lane.

“It is recommended that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions set out below. CONDITIONS”

“The development hereby permitted shall maintain the service access from the service yard off Chancery Lane throughout the lifetime of the development.”

Officer report