One-bedroom dwelling conversion at The Wash House Gauledge Lane Longnor

“This application seeks full planning permission for conversion of a traditional building into an open market dwellinghouse.”

“This application seeks full planning permission to convert the building into a single bedroomed dwelling. The curtilage would be some 24sqm and would be limited to the creation of an off-road parking space to the side of Gauledge Lane and to the east of the building.”

“The Wash House is not a listed building, nor deemed a curtilage building, but is a non- designated heritage asset within the Longnor Conservation Area. It appears on the OS map for 1878-79, but may have originated earlier in the century. The Wash House and Old Bakehouse (Grade II) are adjoined at the north west corner foot of the Wash House. However, this appears to be modern stonework and historic maps have the two separated from each other.”

“The Wash House makes a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the Longnor Conservation Area and is of traditional form and construction with solid gritstone walls and Staffordshire machine cut blue roof tiles. It is considered to be a non-designated heritage asset and comments on design and materials are made in this context and bearing in mind its location in the Conservation Area.”

“The principle of conversion of this building to a dwelling is acceptable in policy terms as the scheme will provide a dwelling in a sustainable location. The building is considered to be a non-designated heritage asset and the proposals will serve enhance the appearance of the building by facilitating its effective reuse and general maintenance.”

“Adequate parking space is proposed to serve the dwelling and, whilst there is no dedicated amenity space proposed, the dwelling would be for a single bedroomed property. Given the above, the recommendation is to grant planning permission subject to appropriate conditions to secure the satisfactory appearance of the development and to address highway related matters.”

“Staffordshire County Council (Local Highway Authority): • Gauledge Lane meets Leek Road at an acute angle but the alignment is such that a parked vehicle would not obstruct visibility • no objection subject to conditions with regard to provision and surfacing of car park and with regard to the boundary edge • the works may require a Highway Works Agreement.”

“PDNPA Senior Conservation Officer: • have provided detailed comments on the works proposed • advises that saving this building from collapse and sympathetically restoring it, structurally and in appearance, and it being adapted to a new sustainable use, will enhance the Conservation Area and preserve this important local building.”

“A motion to approve the application with the conditions outlined below with an additional condition requiring the applicants to record the building, was moved, seconded, put to the vote and carried.”

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

“Prior to commencement of works, the building shall be recorded to level 2 of the Historic England’s guidance ‘Understanding Historic Buildings…”