Ground-floor alterations at Council Offices, London Road, Saffron Walden
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Uttlesford Planning Committee on 22 Oct 2025.
The meeting was recorded; the recording is on the council's website.
What was proposed
The application sought ground-floor alterations, including air-conditioning units, a new entrance, window changes and internal layout alterations.
“The applicant seeks planning permission for proposed alterations to ground floor (part) including addition of air conditioning units to external wall.”
“Addition of a louvre to a rear ground floor window and replacement of the window cill on the west elevation of the modern extension, • Internal layout alterations to accommodate the operational requirements of incoming tenants.”
Officer report
The site and building
The site is a modern extension connected to a Grade II listed former hospital building, within a conservation area and development limits.
“The application site comprises the modern part multistorey Grade II listed building (since 1987) the former Saffron Walden Hospital, currently serving as the Council Offices for Uttlesford District Council, located within development limits in Saffron Walden.”
Officer report
Earlier applications
Earlier listed-building applications in 2015 covered an internal doorway and walls, and replacement top-floor windows; both were approved with conditions.
“The site has a track record of planning history dating back to 1954, the most recent and relevant planning history listed below: Reference Proposal Decision UTT/15/1722/LB Cut out internal doorway in emergency centre wall, remove internal dividing wall and build new wall creating a larger office area. Approved with conditions (30.07.2015) UTT/15/2413/LB Replacement of top floor galvanised window units. Approved with conditions (21.09.2015)”
“No pre-application discussions were undertaken between the Applicant and the Council prior to the submission of the application.”
Officer report
Public representations
One representation supported the proposal on behalf of the tenant, and none objected.
“Supporting the proposal in the name of the tenant.”
“Supporting the proposal in the name of the tenant.”
Officer report
Committee consideration
The District Wide Team Leader presented the application, explained the works and recommended approval subject to the report’s conditions.
“The District Wide Team Leader presented an application for proposed alterations to ground floor (part) including the addition of air conditioning units to the external wall.”
“He recommended that the application be approved, subject to the conditions set out in section 17 of the report.”
Minutes
The committee’s decision
Councillor Pavitt proposed approval, Councillor Church seconded it, and the committee resolved to grant permission subject to conditions.
“Councillor Pavitt proposed approval of the application. This was seconded by Councillor Church.”
“RESOLVED that the Strategic Director of Planning be authorised to grant permission for the development subject to the conditions set out in section 17 of the report.”
Minutes
Sources
- Uttlesford Planning Committee minutes, 22 October 2025
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Uttlesford's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Committee
- Uttlesford Planning Committee
- Council
- Uttlesford
- Date
- Wednesday 22 October 2025
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended approval
- Committee decided
- Approved
- Recording
- On the council's website
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- The application (council website)
- All decisions
- Uttlesford committee decisions →
This committee's year
21 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.