Replacement platform lift at Ashton Memorial Williamson Park, Lancaster

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by Lancaster Planning Regulatory Committee on 12 Jan 2026.

25/01181/LBApproved

What was proposed

The application sought a replacement platform lift and replacement of the lift railing with a glazed balustrade.

“25/01181/LB Listed building application for a replacement platform lift and replacement of lift railing with glazed balustrade. John O’Gaunt Ward A”

Minutes

Effect on the listed building

The existing lift was harmful and intrusive, while the amended replacement would restore some visibility and slightly enhance the building’s significance.

“The existing lift is, though necessary, a harmful intrusive element in the lower interior space of the Listed Building, which disrupts its design symmetry, impedes visibility of the tall arched window behind it, and dilutes the designed aesthetic value of the space via its utilitarian appearance.”

“Notwithstanding, the original scheme included some details which could be amended in order to mitigate the harm further to this Grade I Listed Building. The originally proposed Anthracite Grey finish was considered by the Conservation Team to be too blue toned to properly complement the surrounding marble flooring.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered that accessibility benefits and the amended design outweighed harm, so they recommended listed building consent.

“The proposed works, as amended, would result in a minor enhancement of the significance of the Listed Building, and any harm is outweighed by the public benefits, and is also clearly and convincingly justified. As a result, the proposal would be acceptable in terms of impact on the Listed Building, complying with the relevant local and national policies and as such is recommended for approval.”

“That Listed Building Consent BE GRANTED subject to the following conditions:”

Officer report

How the committee voted

Councillors approved the proposal unanimously, with 13 votes in favour, no votes against and no abstentions.

“That the application be approved subject to the conditions in the Committee Report.”

“Upon being put to the vote, 13 Councillors voted in favour of the proposal with none against and no abstentions, whereupon the Chair declared the proposal to have been carried.”

Minutes

The committee decision

The application was approved subject to standard consent timescale and compliance with the amended plans and details.

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

“Standard Listed Building Consent Timescale. 2. Works in Accordance with Amended Plans and Details.”

Minutes

Sources

  • Lancaster Planning Regulatory Committee minutes, 12 January 2026
  • Agenda and papers (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of Lancaster's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.

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At the meeting

Council
Lancaster
Date
Monday 12 January 2026
Recommendation
Officers recommended approval
Committee decided
Approved
Vote
13 for, 0 against
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)
Application
The application (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of the minutes.

This committee's year

36 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 1 against officer advice.

Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.

Every decision by this council's committees →