Listed building heat pumps at Ashton Memorial And Butterfly House Williamson Park, Lancaster

“The Ashton Memorial is a Grade I listed structure (List Entry Number: 1288429), built between 1906 and 1909 in memory of Lord Ashton’s late wife. It was designed to showcase Lord Ashton’s wealth and prominence at the time. Today, the Memorial is a popular visitor attraction and event venue, hosting community events, concerts, educational programmes, weddings, and private functions, while offering extensive views of the surrounding area.”

“The site is located within the Williamson Park Conservation Area. The site is designated (by the Local Plan) under the Willamson Park Local Landscape Designation and an area of designated Open Space, Recreation and Leisure.”

“A number of relevant applications relating to this site have previously been received by the Local Planning Authority. These include:”

“Application Number Proposal Decision 25/01440/FUL Listed building application for the installation of Air Source Heat Pumps and associated enclosure, removal of redundant plant, construction of new enclosure to house packaged plant and new air handling unit, installation of a new heat pump gantry enclosure, installation of new radiators, emitters, replacement of the existing pipework distributions, upgrades to the Building Energy Management Systems.”

“Overall, it is considered that there would be minor harm to the setting of the listed buildings and to the Registered Park and Garden caused by the new enclosure. This harm would be mitigated by the location within existing planting and behind a mature hedge. The new AHU enclosure is more impactful and would cause minor harm to the Grade II Butterfly House, but this is lessened as it is sensitively designed and replaces poor quality existing buildings.”

“The proposed development will result in a low level of less than substantial harm to the character and significance of Ashton Memorial & The Butterfly House, Williamson Park. However, it is considered subject to conditions as outlined below that this identified harm is outweighed by the public benefits that the scheme entails. On this basis, members are recommended to approved listed building consent for the works proposed by this application.”

“Consultee Response Conservation Team No objection - Conclude that there would be minor harm to the setting of the listed buildings and to the Registered Park and Garden caused by the new enclosure. This harm would be mitigated by the location within existing planting and behind a mature hedge.”

“The Gardens Trust Objection - We have concerns about the siting and buildability of the Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) gantry and enclosure in the proposed position near the summit and in the setting of the Ashton Memorial and Butterfly House. However, the Garden Trust support the Council's overall objective in securing more sustainable energy solutions.”

“The following responses have been received from members of the public:”

“It was proposed by Councillor Robert Redfern and seconded by Councillor John Hanson:”

“Upon being put to the vote, 15 Councillors voted in favour of the proposal with none against and no abstentions, whereupon the Chair declared the proposal to have been carried.”

“That the application be approved subject to the following conditions:”

“Time limit. Approved plans. Samples of Materials to be submitted. Details of any new radiator pipe runs within the Ashton Memorial.”