Ada Lovelace statue at North Warwickshire And Hinckley College, Hinckley

What was proposed

A 2.5-metre bronze Ada Lovelace statue would stand on a 0.5-metre Portland stone plinth outside the college.

“Proposal: Erection of Ada Lovelace statue outside North Warwickshire And Hinckley College, 2.5 metres in height, mounted on a Portland stone plinth 0.5 metres high.”

“Planning application description 2.1. The application seeks full planning permission for the erection of a statue of Ada Lovelace outside North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College. The proposed bronze statue would measure 2.50 metres in height and would be mounted on a Portland stone plinth 0.50 meters in height, giving a total of 3.00 meters in height. Inscriptions are proposed to the front and rear of the plinth.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The college site is beside Lower Bond Street, outside conservation areas but near two conservation areas and several listed buildings.

“Description of the site and surrounding area 3.1. The application site relates to a college, situated in the settlement boundary of Hinckley and located to the east of Lower Bond Street. The application site is not located within a conservation area boundary but is flanked to the north by the Hollycroft Conservation Area, which is defined at its southern end by the grade II listed Hollybush public house.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier applications at the site included development, listed building, advertisement and condition decisions between 1982 and 2011.

“Relevant planning history 82/00050/4 • Removal of window for loading purposes • Planning Permission • 23.03.1982 05/01111/FUL • Mixed use development of dwellings and work units with garages landscaping roads sewers and ancillary works • Refused • 11.01.2006 07/01218/LBC • Demolition of buildings • Listed Building Consent • 28.01.2008 08/00691/ADV • Erection of signage • Advertisement Consent • 01.08.2008 09/00141/DEEM • Re-development of the former atkins factory site…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the proposal would respect the area, preserve heritage significance and avoid significant amenity or highway impacts.

“Conclusion 10.1. The proposal is considered acceptable as it would respect and complement the scale, character and appearance of the area and would have no adverse visual effects upon the setting of the nearby conservation areas thus preserving its significance. It would not result in any significant adverse impacts on the amenity of the occupiers of any neighbouring properties or any significant adverse impacts on the public highway.”

“Recommendation 11.1 Grant planning permission subject to: • Planning conditions outlined at the end of this report 11.2 That the Head of Planning be given powers to determine the final detail of planning conditions.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways found no material public highway impact, while the conservation officer considered the statue appropriate and compatible with nearby heritage assets.

“Consultation 6.1. LCC Highways; ‘There would appear to be no material impact on the public highway and therefore the Local Highway Authority has no comments to make.’ HBBC Conservation Officer; ‘In my opinion the statue is a suitable proposal to commemorate and recognise a renowned component of the borough’s heritage and it is of an appropriate appearance, a modest scale, and is sited to ensure that there are no adverse visual effects upon the setting of the nearby…”

Officer report

Public comments

One supportive comment welcomed recognition of Ada Lovelace, her local connections and the statue’s potential educational, heritage and visual benefits.

“Publicity 5.1. The application has been publicised by sending out letters to local residents. A site notice was also posted within the vicinity of the site and a notice was displayed in the local press. One comment of support has been received which has been summarised below; • Excited that Ada Lovelace is finally getting the recognition she deserves.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke to the committee about the application.

The committee decision

The committee resolved to grant permission subject to the officer’s conditions and delegated the final detail of those conditions.

“(i) Permission be granted subject to the conditions outlined in the officer’s report;”

“(ii) Authority be delegated to the Head of Planning to determine the final detail of the conditions.”

Minutes