Library to fitness facility at Torridge District Council Town Hall, Bideford

“Proposed Development The application seeks Listed Building Consent for the following development:- • Change of use of the Library to a Gym and Fitness facility, including changing rooms and showers. • Internal alterations to the ground floor offices, reception and members lounge to create a series of Co-Working spaces, break-out spaces and managers office. • Replacement single-storey extension to the rear of the former Library building.”

“The application is supported by a twin Full Planning Application, reference: 1/0970/2025/LA.”

“The existing building currently has a mix of uses, which are as follows:- • The basement floor accommodates the main plant room. • The ground floor use of the building is largely vacant; however, was formerly used as a library, offices, reception and members lounge. • The first floor currently has an active use and accommodates the Town Council Chambers, lobby, Mayoral Parlour, robe room, kitchen and the former Magistrate Court, now used as Town Hall meeting room.”

“The site is neighboured by a number of designated heritage assets, including: • Bridge Buildings (list entry: 1206687), located immediately to the north of the site and is a Grade II heritage asset; • Bideford Bridge, including Parapet Walls and gates of east abutment (list entry: 1200873), located immediately to the east of the site and is a Grade I1 heritage asset; • Tantons Hotel (list entry: 1292476), located immediately to the south of the site and is a Grade II…”

“By virtue of the proposed development bringing an active use into the building would allow for the financial reinvestment into the fabric of the heritage asset, allowing for its repair and restoration, preserving the heritage asset for future generations. Significant weight is afforded to restoration of the heritage asset.”

“Taking into consideration of the above, it is accepted that the scheme will cause a degree (less than substantial) of harm to the designated heritage asset, therefore it must be accepted that there is some conflict with Paragraph 212 of the National Planning Policy Framework, which attributes great weight to an assets conservation.”

“Environmental Protection Officer: The following consultation response is provided by the Environmental Protection Team in relation to the above application.”

“The Environmental Protection Team has no objections in principle however, due to the presence and proximity of neighbouring dwellings, there is the potential for residential amenity to be adversely affected on a temporary basis from the construction works if control measures are not in place.”

“Bideford Town Council: RESOLVED: That the application is not approved.”

“Number of neighbours consulted: Number of letters of support: Number of representations received: Number of neutral representations: Number of objection letters: 0”

“Councillor Bushby proposed to approve the application. This was seconded by Councillor Kenneally.”

“Members asked that Town and Parish Councils be encouraged to provide reasons for their decisions to strengthen the weight of their statements.”

“It was proposed by Councillor Bushby, seconded by Councillor Keneally that the application is approved.”

“That the application is approved, subject to the conditions detailed in the report.”