Eight-apartment block at 68 Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness

What was proposed

The application proposed a four-storey block containing eight one-bedroom apartments, with a zinc-clad roof and amended design.

“Full planning permission is sought for the erection of a four-storey apartment block containing 8 No. open market apartments. Whilst the original submission was broadly a resubmission of a previously approved proposal for development on this site, several revisions have been introduced to produce a design that is more contemporary while remaining sensitive to the character and significance of the Central Barrow Conservation Area.”

“The building will incorporate brickwork and masonry detailing, contemporary fenestration, and metal artwork at the main east elevation entrance. The Design and Access Statement advises that the elevations use a layered approach with a defined brick plinth, red brick middle section, and zinc-clad top floor; the proposed roof form has recently been revised to remove the pitched roof.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The vacant corner site lies in the Central Barrow Conservation Area near listed buildings, including the Grade II Nan Tait Centre.

“The application site is a roughly rectangular gap site on the corner of Abbey Road and Dalkeith Street. It is a prominent site on a main thoroughfare and falls within the Central Barrow Conservation Area. The site has been vacant since the former building on the site was demolished in around 2005 and since that time several consents have been granted for residential use with none being progressed.”

“On the opposite side of Abbey Road stands the Nan Tait Centre (Grade II) with the former Ramsden Baths (Grade II) offset to the west side of Bath Street. Abbey Road itself has a mixed commercial frontage with several public houses and offices in the section between Rawlinson Street and Ramsden Square.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Outline permission was granted in 2016 and reserved matters for a four-storey block containing ten apartments were approved in 2019, but neither was progressed.

“Members may recall that outline planning permission was granted in 2016 for residential development of the site. At that time the development was speculative and whilst indicative designs were submitted the final design and landscaping details were reserved matters. The site then changed hands and detailed design proposals were developed in an effort to reinvigorate the site following the key design principles established by the outline consent.”

“A subsequent approval of reserved matters (external appearance and landscaping) for a four storey apartment block was approved in 2019 but never commenced. This relates to 10 apartments.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the proposal would provide homes, improve the vacant site, preserve and enhance the conservation area, and provide acceptable living conditions.

“The design broadly follows the massing and scale already accepted on the site, using materials that respond to the established character of the Conservation Area, through the use of a traditional red brick and would be of a good standard of design, given the site constraints.”

“Overall, the proposals are considered to accord with national and local planning policy and the requirement of the Act in relation to heritage impact. The development should preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the Central Barrow Conservation Area, provide an appropriate setting to the listed Nan Tait Centre, and contribute new homes in a sustainable location to meet current market demand.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Highway Authority, flood authorities, emergency planners, the nuclear regulator and ecology consultees raised no objection, subject to conditions or advice.

“Objections were raised due to The housing density for the size of the plot, with this being 10 rooms on a small area of land (NB the proposals have now been amended to 8 apartments). Emergency Planning - Joint Emergency Management and Resilience (JEMR) Team 7.11.25 Note the BAE site is covered by the provision of the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) 2019 Regulations.”

“Office for Nuclear Regulation (Nuclear) 13.11.25 Consulted with the emergency planners within Westmorland and Furness Council which is responsible for the preparation of the Devonshire Dock Complex (Barrow) off-site emergency plan required by the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations (REPPIR) 2019. They have provided adequate assurance that the proposed development can be accommodated within their off-site emergency plan arrangements.”

Officer report

Concerns raised

One public representation raised concerns about design, parking and cycle storage, while the Parish Council objected to the proposed housing density.

“One public representation has been received raising concerns around the design being unsympathetic to the area and the lack of parking or cycle storage. (NB cycle storage has now been provided in amended plans).”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent described the building’s materials, detailing, public art and industrial design references, while officers answered members’ questions.

Members’ questions

Members discussed affordability, building height, the set-back upper floor, the shared bin store and secure access to the stairwell.

“He stated that the building would incorporate brickwork and masonry detailing, contemporary fenestration, and metal artwork at the main east elevation entrance. The Design and Access Statement advised that the elevations use a layered approach with a defined brick plinth, red brick middle section, and zinc-clad top floor; the proposed roof form had recently been revised to remove the pitched roof.”

“On the east elevation, the main stairwell is expressed in full-height glazing, screened by wavy vertical metal fins which provide a public art element. Above the ground floor entrance is a porch supported by steel beams and suspension chains.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Worthington moved approval, Councillor McEwan seconded it, and the committee voted unanimously.

“Councillor Worthington moved the recommendation to grant the application and this was seconded by Councillor McEwan. A vote was taken and it was unanimously;”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions, including an amended condition controlling noise from plant and ventilation equipment.

“RESOLVED:- That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions (with amendment to Condition 6):-”

“(a) All plant and ventilation equipment must be sited, insulated and operated so as not to cause any material disturbance to adjoining residential properties. (b) Full details of any external plant must be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to first installation. Thereafter the plant must be installed only in accordance with the approved details.”

Minutes