Driveway and car park resurfacing at The Commandery Sidbury, Worcester

What was proposed

The application sought consent for resurfacing existing hardstanding and installing a French drain north of the Great Hall.

“The submitted proposals seek listed building consent for external works, including the resurfacing of existing hardstanding areas to the north and north-east of the building range. In addition, deeper excavations are proposed immediately north of the Great Hall to install a French drain, aimed at improving drainage and preventing the accumulation of surface water in these external areas.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The Commandery is a Grade I listed building in the Sidbury and Fort Royal Conservation Area, close to other heritage assets.

“The application has been referred to the Planning Committee as it is an application made by [the applicant] also relating to a City Council owned building. The site and surrounding area 2.1 The application site relates to The Commandery, a Grade I Listed Building which is located on the outskirts of the City’s historic centre in Sidbury.”

“As evidenced within its official Historic England listing, The Commandery is a Grade I listed building of exceptional historic significance. The site itself was founded as a medieval hospital in the 11 th Century, however the earliest buildings on the site date to the 15 th Century (the hall range), with considerable additions and modifications from the 16 th -19 th Century. The major reinstatement and restoration of the building was undertaken in the late 1980’s.”

Officer report

Planning history

The site has an extensive planning history, including two other live listed building consent applications and two recently granted consents.

“Planning Policy 4.1 The Development Plan comprises: • The South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) which was adopted February 2016 South Worcestershire Development Plan 4.2 The following policies of the SWDP are considered to be relevant to the proposal: SWDP 6 Historic Environment SWDP 21 Design SWDP 24 Management of the Historic Environment Material Considerations National Planning Policy Framework (2024) National Planning Practice Guidance Historic England Advice:…”

“It is noteworthy that this application is one of two live applications for listed building consent on the site for various separate works which is pending consideration separately (and without prejudice to this application).”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Historic England had no objection in principle, archaeological and conservation concerns were addressed through conditions, and no third-party comments were received.

“HIA, confirming that he concurs with its conclusions. Two conditions have been requested to require the provision of samples prior to their installation, as well as that of a construction method statement. Both conditions are considered to meet the tests and would safeguard against potential harms through careful agreement of precise details.”

“The conditions described above will enable Officers to exercise control over these elements, allowing on-site inspection prior to installation, thereby addressing concerns and safeguarding the historic setting of the building. Conservation Area Advisory Committee: No objection. Worcester Regulatory Services (Contaminated Land): No adverse comments to make in respect of the application. Canal and River Trust 6.9 No comment.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A [the applicant] property manager spoke for the applicant.

The committee vote

A proposal to approve was seconded and agreed unanimously, with 11 votes for, none against and no abstentions.

“A proposal to approve the application had been made and this was seconded. There being no further points made the Chair requested the voting of each Member of the Committee who were eligible to vote. Following the recording of the votes the proposal was agreed as recommended.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted listed building consent subject to the conditions set out in section 9.

“RESOLVED: That the Committee grant Listed Building Consent, subject to the conditions set out in section 9 of the report.”

Minutes