Glazed fire door at Kendal Town Hall Highgate, Kendal

What was proposed

The application sought listed building consent to replace the reception fire shutter with a fire-rated glazed door linked to the fire alarm.

“Planning Application Reference No. 2025/01288/LBC Proposal: Listed Building Consent for the replacement of fire shutter to a fire rated glazed door Location: Kendal Town Hall, Highgate, Kendal, LA9 4ED Applicant: Westmorland and Furness Council Committee Date: 4 th September 2025 Reason for Committee Level Decision: Council application Officer: Chloe Wootton…”

“SUMMARY 1.1 Listed Building Consent is sought for the replacement of the fire shutter to a fire rated glazed door at Kendal Town Hall reception. The proposal is considered to be a sympathetic solution which will resolve the concerns relating to the unauthorised roller shutter and maintain fire safety in reception with minimal harm to the significance of the Grade II listed building.”

Officer report

The site and building

The works concerned reception at Kendal Town Hall, a Grade II listed building within the Kendal Conservation Area.

“SITE DESCRIPTION 4.1 The application site relates to Kendal Town Hall, Highgate, Kendal. The Town Hall is a Grade II listed building and the site is within Kendal Conservation Area. The application relates to reception. The listing entry for the property states the following: SD 5192 NW & NE KENDAL HIGHGATE (East side) 7 & 8/34 Town Hall, Magistrates Court, & 24-4-51 Call Stone G.V.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the glazed door sympathetic, reversible and consistent with existing doors, providing fire safety while causing minimal heritage harm.

“It is understood that the door will need to be held open to maintain accessibility and a welcoming feel to the public services, however it will need to be linked to the fire alarm system, to close in the event of a fire to ensure fire safety on the protected fire exit route from ground and first floor. There are clear identifiable public benefits generated through providing fire safety as part of the fire strategy for the building.”

“I fully support the requirement for fire safety, and this should not be compromised, and am of the view that the removal of the existing metal roller shutter to be replaced with the fire resistant glazed door special historic character and architectural interest of this Grade II listed building is positive. The design is consistent with other fire resistant glazed doors in the lobby area so provides a harmonious appearance.”

Officer report

Consultation and public views

The Town Council raised no material objection, the Conservation Officer supported the design, and one letter supported replacing the unauthorised shutter.

“Listing NGR: SD5149392633 5.0 SITE PLANNING HISTORY 5.1 There is an extensive planning history on site relating to both internal and external alterations. The most relevant is SL/2019/0800 internal refurbishments as part of a wider strategy to improve access to Council services which were carried out in 2021.”

“The application concerns the removal of an unauthorised roller shutter which has been installed at Kendal Town Hall and replace this with a glazed fire door to match the existing glazed fire doors which already exist in the Town Hall. The roller shutter was deemed to have a harmful impact on the significance of the Grade II listed building.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A supporter and the agent addressed the committee in support of the application.

Members’ discussion

Members questioned the unauthorised shutter and protection during the works, criticised the earlier process, and welcomed the proposed sympathetic replacement.

“Members queried the installation of the existing roller shutter and why this was put in place without planning permission and how it would be ensured that no further harm was caused to the building during works, should members approve the application. The Senior Planning Officer explained that a condition regarding methodology and specification attached to the decision would ensure that if the application was approved by members, no further harm would be caused.”

“The Senior Development Manager explained that the process to develop a suitable alternative to the current roller shutter had required a resubmission to find the right solution. He noted that the Conservation Officer’s comments were part of the consultation process and that it was felt that the proposals set out within the report were an attractive solution that guaranteed the same level of security and safety as the roller shutter.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to approve the application was moved and seconded, followed by a vote.

“A motion to approve the application was moved and seconded.”

“RESOLVED, that listed building consent be granted subject to the following conditions:-”

Minutes