Heat pumps and canopy at The Storey, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster

What was proposed

The application proposed 13 air source heat pumps in timber compounds, plus a canopy for cabling and pipework.

“This application is for the installation of 13 Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) to service The Storey. The proposed ASHPs would be installed on the southern boundary of the Storey Gardens, approximately 8 metres from the listed wall fronting Meeting House Lane and just above the second tier of listed steps.”

“A canopy for housing cabling and pipework connecting to the ASHPs is proposed along the west elevation of The Storey. The structure is to be clad with a lead mono-pitched roof and painted timber cladding, to replicate the existing roof materiality found elsewhere on the site. The rainwater drainage will connect into the existing network.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The Storey and its gardens are in a conservation area and include listed buildings, walls, steps and protected trees.

“The site which forms the subject of this planning application is The Storey (Storey Institute) and associated Storey Gardens located to the west of the main building. The building, which is of significant architectural and historic merit, is Grade II listed and occupies a prominent position at the junction of Castle Hill and Meeting House Lane. The building dominates the approach to the Castle Hill Precinct and contributes significantly to the city’s townscape.”

“The Storey Gardens were historically associated with Nos. 18-22 Castle Park which are Grade II* listed buildings. The historic gardens, which can be seen on the 1849 OS maps, extended the full width of these buildings and used to step down from north to south towards Meeting House Lane, with short staircases between each level, culminating in the staircase which drops down to Meeting House Lane.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A Closing Loops co-ordinator spoke in favour of the application.

The committee vote

Councillors voted eight in favour and seven against refusal, with no abstentions.

“It was proposed by Councillor Sandra Thornberry and seconded by Councillor Alan Greenwell:”

“Upon being put to the vote, 8 Councillors voted in favour of the proposal with 7 against and no abstentions, whereupon the Chair declared the proposal to have been carried.”

Minutes

Why it was refused

The committee found heritage harm, an incongruous industrial appearance and unacceptable effects on designated open space.

“By reason of the inappropriate scale, design, appearance and siting, the proposed Air Source Heat Pumps and associated enclosures, would result in an incongruous, industrial and utilitarian form of development in a highly sensitive location.”

“The proposed development would result in the loss of, and adverse impacts to, designated open space. Policy DM27 of the Development Management DPD expects development proposals that are adjacent to designated open spaces, to incorporate design measures that ensure that there are no negative impacts on the amenity and functionality of the space.”

Minutes