Energy efficiency upgrades at Council Offices, London Road, Saffron Walden

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing the gas boiler with air source heat pumps, installing solar panels, loft insulation and secondary glazing.

“The proposals comprise the replacement of the existing gas boiler with an air source heat pump (ASHP) system, the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on suitable roof slopes, the addition of loft insulation, and the installation of secondary glazing to improve thermal performance.”

“Replacement of the existing gas boiler with an air source heat pump (ASHP) system and modifications to the existing heating distribution network. • Installation of solar PV panels to appropriate roof slopes. • Installation of loft insulation. • Installation of secondary glazing to existing windows.”

Officer report

The site

The Council Offices are a Grade II listed building in landscaped grounds within the Saffron Walden Conservation Area and development limits.

“NOTATION: Within Development Limits. Listed Building (Old Saffron Walden Hospital/Council Offices – Grade II). Within Conservation Area (Saffron Walden 1). Setting of Listed Building (The Old Chapel – Grade II). Setting of Listed Building (Ivy Lodge – Grade II). Setting of Listed Building (15 London Road – Grade II). Contaminated Land Historic Land Use. Road Classification (London Road – B1052).”

“The site comprises the Council Offices on London Road, Saffron Walden – a large Grade II listed building dating from the 19th century, constructed in brick with slate roofing, and set within landscaped grounds. The site lies within the development limits of Saffron Walden and within the Saffron Walden Conservation Area. The surrounding area is largely residential.”

Officer report

Planning history

No relevant site history was identified, and pre-application consultation took place in October 2024.

“A pre-application consultation was carried out in October 2024 to evaluate the principles of the proposed development, following an energy efficiency assessment undertaken by a specialist consultant. The submitted applications have constructively addressed the advice provided, particularly in relation to the potential impacts on the significance of the designated heritage assets.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the works would provide environmental benefits while preserving heritage assets and protecting residential amenity through conditions.

“The proposal seeks to enhance the energy efficiency and environmental performance of an existing listed civic building through the installation of air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, and internal insulation and glazing measures. The works would deliver clear environmental and public benefits by reducing the building’s carbon footprint and supporting the Council’s Climate Change commitments.”

“Overall, the proposal represents a sustainable form of development that accords with national and local planning policy objectives, delivering significant environmental improvements without causing harm to heritage assets or amenity. The application is therefore recommended for approval subject to appropriate conditions to secure details of noise control, materials, and implementation.”

Officer report

Local concerns

One objection was received, raising concerns about noise impact.

“A site notice was displayed on site; the application was advertised in the local press and notifications letters were sent to nearby properties. One objection has been received, raising concerns in regard to noise impact.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planning Officer presented the application and recommended approval subject to the report’s conditions.

What members discussed

Members discussed secondary glazing, solar panels, possible heat pump noise near Saxon Way and adding a Construction Management Plan.

“Members discussed: • Secondary glazing. • Positive application of solar panels on the modern side of the building. • Possible heat pump noise concerns impacting on properties in Saxon Way. Condition 13 covered such matters.”

“The need to include a CMP to ensure good traffic flow continued around London Road.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee authorised permission subject to the report’s conditions and an additional Construction Management Plan.

“Councillor Emanuel proposed approval of the application, together with inclusion of a CMP. 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 16 of the report, together with a CMP.”

Minutes