Listed building alterations at Council Offices, London Road, Saffron Walden

What was proposed

The application sought listed building consent for ground-floor alterations, including air-conditioning units, a new entrance, a louvre, window work and internal changes.

“The applicant seeks listed building consent for proposed alterations to ground floor (part) including addition of air conditioning units to external wall.”

“This is a full application seeking Listed Building Consent for proposed alterations to part of the ground floor, including: • Installation of additional air conditioning units mounted on the concrete pavement, adjacent to an existing cluster of units affixed to the rear wall of the modern extension.”

Officer report

The site

The site is the modern part of a Grade II listed former hospital now used as council offices, within a conservation area.

“The application site comprises the modern part of a multistorey Grade II listed building (since 1987) (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 were approved with conditions for internal alterations and replacement top-floor windows.

“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)”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

The works were assessed as preserving the listed building and avoiding harm to its significance or the conservation area.

“Policy ENV2 of the Local Plan states that development affecting a listed building should be in keeping with its scale, character and surroundings. Demolition of a listed building, or development proposals that adversely affect the setting, and alterations that impair the special characteristics of a listed building will not be permitted.”

“The proposals would preserve the fabric and special interest of the Grade II listed building (The Old Hospital), without causing ‘less than substantial harm’ to its significance. Therefore, the development would comply with paragraph 215 of the NPPF, section 16(2) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, and policy ENV2 of the Local Plan. The heritage balance of paragraph 215 of the NPPF would not be necessary given the no-harm position.”

Officer report

Public responses

One representation supported the proposal on behalf of the tenant, and no objections were received.

“A site notice was displayed on site and notification letters were sent to nearby properties. The application has also been the subject of a press notice in the local newspaper and representations have been received.”

“Supporting the proposal in the name of the tenant.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The District Wide Team Leader presented the application and recommended approval subject to conditions.

Committee discussion

Approval was proposed and seconded by councillors.

“Councillor Pavitt proposed approval of the application. This was seconded by Councillor Church.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee authorised the Strategic Director of Planning to grant permission subject to the listed conditions.

“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