Five-home listed building conversion at Heath Barn, St Johns Road, Hemel Hempstead

“The proposals seek to convert the existing complex of buildings into five separate residential units with the intention of providing 2 x 4 bed units, 2 x 3 bed units and a 2 bed unit.”

“All properties would benefit from the use of the internal courtyard garden approximately 360m2 with additional landscaping being undertaken to the wider site. A new pedestrian access would be provided from the courtyard to St. Johns Road.”

“The use of the site by Hemel Hempstead School ceased following the construction of a new purpose-built music and science building together with sports facilities within the school grounds (4/01105/18/CDP and 4/02598/17/CMA)”

“The history of applications on the site itself is limited with the most recent applications for planning and listed building consent associated with some repairs of the roof, the replacement of a number of tiles and removal of Ivy/foliage. These works are understood to have been undertaken in financial year 2020/21 by Hertfordshire County Council.”

“National Planning Policy Guidance (NPPG) makes it clear that sustaining heritage assets often requires a viable use to generate funds necessary to invest in the long-term maintenance of heritage assets. Putting heritage assets to a viable use is likely to lead to investment in their maintenance necessary for long term conservation.”

“It is asserted by the applicants and their conservation specialist that residential use is the optimal viable use for the building as the only use that might sustain the long-term maintenance of the listed buildings.”

“It was proposed by Councillor A Williams and seconded by Councillor Hobson to GRANT listed building consent. Vote:”