Balcony roof re-roofing at The Old Watermill, Mill Lane, Brigstock

What was proposed

Listed building consent was sought retrospectively for repairing and resurfacing the existing flat balcony roof with grey slate paving.

“Listed building consent is sought for the re-roofing of the flat balcony area. The roof was resurfaced in 2024 following water damage in 2023. The works did not alter the 1990s roof structure or the interior of the building and works were confined to the replacement of the felt and lead flashing and then the later installation of a new finish of grey slate paving atop the roof as part of separate works.”

“Re-roofing of existing flat roof / balcony (retrospective)”

Officer report

The site and building

The site is a Grade II listed former watermill in a conservation area, with the balcony forming part of a modern 1990s alteration.

“The application site comprises The Old Watermill, situated on Mill Lane within the village of Brigstock village and within the Brigstock Conservation Area. The site is accessed directly from Mill Lane at its junction with Latham Street, both of which function as quiet residential lanes, albeit Brigstock Latham’s primary school lies nearby which is also accessed from Latham Street; the site and its surroundings form an integral part of the historic village core.”

“The site slopes from north to south, enabling the formation of a basement level within the mill structure. The southernmost section of the building forms part of this basement area and was originally a single‑storey element with a hipped roof. This was replaced with a flat felted roof during the conversion of the building to residential use in the 1990s to facilitate its use as a balcony/terrace for the residential accommodation on the upper floors.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the works proportionate, discreet and reversible, preserving the listed building and conservation area without ecological harm.

“The proposed works impact a modern part of the listed building; the roof was altered from a hipped roof to a flat balcony in the 1990s following the grant of planning permission and listed building consent for the wider conversion of the site to residential use. The roof was unavoidably damaged, and reasonable measures were taken to repair the damage to ensure reasonable upkeep to the building and preserve its longevity, albeit the works were unauthorised.”

“Overall, the works this application seeks to regularise are very modest and would not be perceptible to public or private views. Likewise, the interventions are very modest and only impact a modern rear element of the building. Therefore it is considered that the proposals would not give rise to harm to the significance of the conservation area.”

Officer report

What speakers said

The parish council raised concerns about unauthorised works and historic balcony details, while the agent explained the roof followed a leak and other matters would be separate.

The committee’s discussion

Members noted the retrospective nature of the application and welcomed the roof being maintained to a good and responsible standard.

“The chair invited the committee to debate the application.”

“Members noted that this was a retrospective application and were pleased to see that the roof had been maintained to a good and responsible standard. It was noted that other issues would be the subject of applications in the future.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

The committee unanimously approved the application subject to conditions, with delegated authority to amend those conditions if necessary.

“The chair put the motion to the vote, and it was declared carried unanimously.”

“RESOLVED that the application be approved, subject to the conditions within the report and to delegated authority being given to the Assistant Director, Place and Economy to approve any amendment to those conditions as deemed necessary.”

Minutes

The conditions

The consent required the works to begin within three years and follow the approved plans and specified materials.

“The works to which this consent relates shall be begun before the expiration of 3 years from the date of this consent.”

“This Listed Building consent relates only to the works specifically shown and described on the approved drawings. Any other works, the need for which becomes apparent as alterations and repairs proceed, are not covered by this consent and details of any other works must be submitted to the council as Local Planning Authority and approved before work continues.”

Officer report