Town hall mixed use at Retford Town Hall Buttermarket, Retford

“PROPOSAL 1.7. The application proposes to change the use of the ground floor of Retford Town Hall, namely Buttermarket, from local community use (Class F2) to a mixed-use including…”

“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.”

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY - 01/91/00084/L - Provide additional entrance door to butter market – Granted on 12-May-1992 - 01/00/00121/L - Remove concrete tiled roof over ballroom and caretakers residence and replace with slate roof – Granted on 31-Oct-2000 - 01/01/00129/L - Install new passenger lift and form new door openings - Granted on 04-Oct-2001 - 01/02/00095/L - Listed building application to replace existing suspended ceiling and lights – Application not Required…”

“Secretary of State on 27-Jan- 2012 - 15/00172/LBA - Erect Notice Board To the Rear of the Markets Office Building – Granted on 04-Aug-2015 - 17/01347/LBA - Alterations to Cupboard by Adding Three Pairs of Sliding Security Display Glass Panels to Shelving – Granted on 19-Dec-2017 - 25/00484/FUL - 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 – Pending Consideration.”

“In light of the objections raised by interested partieson heritage grounds, whilst these have been taken on board, the Conservation Officer’s response has outlined that, the amended scheme is deemed to preserve the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building and not result in any significant harm to the heritage asset.”

“The proposed change of use and associated refurbishment works to Retford Town Hall are considered to be sympathetic to the historic character of the building and its setting within the Conservation Area.”

“Consultation Responses 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…”

“Raising the following material considerations: - Public Benefits - Proposal would create leisure opportunities in Retford and increase the Town Centre footfall…”

“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 - Accessibility concerns - Impact on local economy and existing businesses - Demonstrable need and viability of proposed use - Lack of consultation and transparency regarding the proposals…”

“The Planning Officer presented the application. Members were presented with a site location map, proposed plans, elevations and site photographs for consideration.”

“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.”

“PLANNING COMMITTEE 3 Recommendation of the Head of Planning and Place: Grant Listed Building Consent subject to conditions and to defer authority to the Head of Planning and Place to amend the report at Section 5.0 to include Section 16 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, having special regard to the desirability or preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses.”

“Grant Listed Building Consent subject to conditions. Delegate authority to the Head of Planning and Place to amend the report at Section 5.0 as above. Delegate authority to the Head of Planning and Place to amend the description of development on the application prior to the decision notice being issued.”