Listed building repairs at 49 - 51 High Street, Northgate, Crawley

What was proposed

The application sought extensive repairs to the roof, elevations, windows, timber frame, internal plaster, floors, fireplaces and rear extensions.

“Rear elevation: Removal and replacement of mono pitched roof to southern rear extension. Remove modern render and repair and repoint brickwork underneath render. Repair retained render. Repair works to fire escape door. Removal of failed asbestos promenade tiles and replacement of existing access walkway covering. New roof felt to be installed around rear roof light. Restoration of damaged first floor window.”

“Internal works including the repair of damaged plaster on the ground floor and first floors. Removal and replacement of damaged timbers. Restore lathe and plaster linings. Minor alterations to fireplaces.”

Officer report

The building and its setting

The building is a Grade II* listed timber-framed hall-house with Horsham Stone and clay tile roofs, restaurant and office uses, and later rear extensions.

“Located on the east side of the High Street. The building is timber framed with a Horsham Stone and plain clay tile roof. There are more modern extensions to the building to the rear, including flat roofed and mono-pitched roofed areas. The building comprises a restaurant that occupies roughly the northern 2/3rds of the building. With the southern 1/3 of the building in use as an office by a law firm.”

“Doorcase has a flat arch with shield in spandrels. On one of these is a crown of antique shape, 2 fleur de lys seen sideways, a third in the middle and a leaf between. The hall runs north to south with a solar and chamber beneath it either end. The hall is 23ft long of 2 bays, each about 10ft long. Open timber roof with cambered tie beam, arch-braced collar beam, moulded wall plates and curved mid-braces. A chimney and floor were inserted in the C16.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended consent because the comprehensive traditional repairs would restore damaged parts and improve the building’s historic and architectural character.

“Floor – Lift timber floor on first floor landing inspect area where significant water damage has occurred, repair if necessary in accordance with details to be agreed and then re-instate flooring. The works proposed would be undertaken using traditional methods of repair and restoration.”

“It is considered that the works proposed are comprehensive and would be sympathetic to this particularly important building of more than special interest. The works would result in the restoration of parts of the building that have over time been damaged though a lack of maintenance, or poor quality repairs. The works will therefore result in an improvement to the historic and architectural character of the building.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Jones spoke in support, highlighting the building’s historic importance, specialist restoration and contribution to the town centre.

Members’ discussion

The officer explained that specialist contractors, recording, traditional methods and agreed procedures would address discoveries and unknown conditions during the works.

“The Committee then considered the application. In response to queries from Committee members, the Principal Planning Officer provided the following clarifications: · The restoration works would be undertaken by experienced specialist contractors, ensuring that the repairs were carried out to a high standard using appropriate traditional methods. · As part of the works, there would be comprehensive photographic and written documentation of all findings and interventions.”

“This process ensured that necessary repairs could proceed without undue delay or cost escalation, and that the building was not left exposed unnecessarily. · The damage appeared to be long-standing, rather than recent disrepair, and the Council was subsequently taking proactive steps to address deterioration and ensure the building was restored to its full historic and architectural integrity.”

Minutes

The vote

The revised recommendation to grant consent was moved by Councillor Rana and seconded by Councillor Bidwell.

“The Committee then moved to a vote on the item. The revised recommendation was moved by Councillor Rana as the Chair and seconded by Councillor Bidwell as the Vice- Chair.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to grant listed building consent subject to the conditions set out in the report.

“RESOLVED Grant consent subject to the conditions set out in report PES/497a.”

Minutes