Pump room floor replacement at Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham

“DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL 1.1 Pittville Pump room was constructed 1825-30 by the architect John Forbes. It is one of the finest buildings in Cheltenham and is constructed in ashlar stone over brick with a prominent slate and copper dome. The building is situated in a prominent and slightly elevated setting within Pittville Park (Grade II Registered Park and Garden) as well as within a Conservation Area.”

“The proposed floor strengthening work will enable high level access via a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) to high level internal historic fabric throughout the Pump Room main hall. This is required to conduct condition surveys, close-up inspections and conservation monitoring of historic fabric. Previously, this was only possible with extensive platform scaffolding, which being both costly and time-consuming has meant access has been infrequent.”

“The floor strengthening will improve access and enable high level internal access via a MEWP. This will ensure the recommended biennial plasterwork survey and repairs can be conducted comparatively easily and swiftly. The use of the MEWP will also allow for any other high-level maintenance and repair work required, which could include, though is not limited to, cleaning, redecoration, chandelier cleaning and inspections, and internal timber repairs (to dome windows).”

“CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 7.1 The proposed works are justified to enable conservation of the high-level historic fabric of the building via MEWP access. The works allow for effective delivery of repairs and maintenance to the Pittville Pump Room. This will ensure its longevity in terms of both building condition, historic high-level fabric and safe use in the future.”

“A site notice was posted on 3 rd July 2025 and a notice published in the Gloucestershire Echo on the same day. No representations have been received.”

“The Head of Planning introduced the report as published.”

“In response to Members’ questions, officers confirmed that: • Officers understand that work will be undertaken very soon once the application is determined. They are not aware of how long the work is expected to take but will clarify with Councillor Steinhardt after the meeting.”

“The matter then went to the vote on the officer recommendation to grant the application.”

“Voted UNANIMOUSLY to grant the application.”

“Reason: To minimise disruption on the public highway and to adjacent land users, and accommodate the efficient delivery of goods and supplies during the course of the construction works, having regard to adopted policy INF1 of the Joint Core Strategy (2017). Approval is required upfront because without proper mitigation the works could have an unacceptable highway impact during construction.”

“Prior to the commencement of works, details of the proposed oak floorboards (length, thickness, width and finish) and a sample board, together with edge skirting cover trim, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority.”