School buildings and extension at Polam Hall School, Blackwell, Darlington

“Listed building consent is sought for the partial demolition and partial retention and refurbishment of existing buildings and the erection of a two-storey extension to the main school building.”

“EFAA (Main building – Polam Hall Grade II listed building, Admin with library and music room) – partial demolition, partial refurbishment, and erection of an extension for junior and secondary accommodation • EFAB (The Stables – Non-designated heritage asset, Stable Block, Reception) – demolition to facilitate the extension to EFAC • EFAC (Elm Grove – Non-designated heritage asset, Primary School – Years 1 – 4) – partial demolition, partial refurbishment, and extension for…”

“The application site comprises the existing Polam Hall School and grounds which extend to approximately 7.8 hectares. The site is bound to the north west by Grange Road (A167) and to the south east by the River Skerne. The site is predominantly surrounded by residential uses with properties to the north, east and west. Land adjacent and to the south comprises South Park with residential properties beyond.”

“This document was classified as: OFFICIAL 2. The site is located within the West End Conservation Area and includes the Grade II listed Polam Hall, together with two non-designated heritage assets (‘NDHAs’) to west of the main Polam Hall School Building.”

“This document was classified as: OFFICIAL MAIN PLANNING ISSUES”

“The main issue to be considered is whether the proposed development insofar as it relates to the Grade II listed Polam Villa (demolition, internal alterations and erection of new build elements) together with the works to the boundary wall along Grange Road are acceptable in terms of their impact on the fabric and significance of this Grade II listed building.”

“The applicant has submitted a public benefits case with the application. The proposed redevelopment of Polam Hall School delivers significant public benefits across economic, social, environmental, and heritage factors. The scheme will provide modern, high quality educational facilities that enhance opportunities for young people and secure the school’s long-term future on this historic site.”

“This document was classified as: OFFICIAL 49. Based on the information that has been submitted in support of the application, officers are convinced that the significance of the site and heritage assets in well understood, and that the proposal has been designed to reflect the assets’ significance whilst allowing the site’s long-standing educational use to continue and evolve.”

“The Council’s Conservation consultant also raises no objection in principle subject to planning conditions. Historic England has no objection to the proposal on heritage grounds.”

“The Victorian Society objects to the application on the basis that they consider the proposed development would cause substantial harm to the listed building and that the significance of the later extensions has not been adequately assessed. Additionally, they highlight the carbon emission of the work and advocates for retrofit and alteration to allow for efficient reuse and consider the level of demolition is not justified.”

“One letter of objection has been received which raises the following issues:”

“Concerned that the proposed works will affect a Grade II listed building. Do not want these building works to alter the architectural or natural characteristics of the area in which we live.”

“RESOLVED – That Listed Building Consent be granted subject to the following conditions:”

“This document was classified as: OFFICIAL appropriate standard shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Thereafter the building recording shall be undertaken in accordance with the written scheme of investigation as approved and the resulting building recording shall be submitted to an approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority within 6 months of work commencing, or other timescale which may be otherwise be agreed in writing.”