Electrical and security upgrades at The Commandery Sidbury, Worcester

What was proposed

The application sought listed building consent for electrical, heating, alarm, lighting and security upgrades for a permanent regimental gallery exhibition.

“Above: submitted Site Location Plan with affected part of the building shaded yellow. The proposals 3.1 The submitted proposals relate to an application for listed building consent for works to the canal range in relation to the proposed regimental gallery exhibition. A schedule describing the proposed work and along with a Heritage Impact Assessment are submitted as part of this application. The specific nature of the works is listed below: External works i.”

Officer report

The site

The works affect the ground and first floors of the canal range within The Commandery, a Grade I listed building in a conservation area.

“The application has been referred to the Planning Committee as it is an application made by the City Council 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.”

“Throughout its history, the site has had several uses including a hospital, private dwelling, royalist headquarters, college and printing works. Although the original hospital floorplan is no longer legible, there are elements of the subsequent uses which are evidenced.”

Officer report

Planning history

The site has extensive planning history, with two other listed building applications pending and related security works previously approved.

“Material Considerations National Planning Policy Framework (2024) National Planning Practice Guidance Historic England Advice: Making Changes to Heritage Assets: Historic England Advice Note 2 Listed Building Consent: Historic England Advice Note 16 Understanding Historic Buildings: A Guide to Good Recording Practice 5 Planning History 5.1 As the application site is a historic building, the site has been subject to an extensive planning history.”

“A further, related, application for listed building consent was granted by the Planning Committee on 22 nd January 2026 under reference 25/00894/LB for: ‘Listed building consent for security works to windows and external door of the canal wing on ground and first floors.’ Consultations 6.1 Formal consultation, including display of site notices, has been undertaken in respect of the application.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the works were carefully designed to limit harm, support public access and enable the building’s optimum viable use.

“Such harm is judged to be at the lower end of the ‘less than substantial’ scale. It is considered that appropriate mitigation measures are in place to minimise this degree of identified harm. The public benefits to the proposals are clear: the provision of replacement electrical systems and enhanced security measures would enable this part of the building to be used as a permanent exhibition of the Regimental Gallery which is of direct relevance to the building’s…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Head of Museums and Tourism spoke for the applicant about the gallery, the building’s importance and the work undertaken to minimise its impact.

Committee discussion

Members welcomed the thorough application and discussed an additional condition requiring approval of the external lanterns’ colour, finish and design.

“Committee Members considered this to be a very thorough and robust application and welcomed the proposal.”

“The condition recommended would be along the lines of, prior to installation of any new light fittings, details of its colour, finish and design should be submitted to an approved by the Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee agreed the approval proposal with nine votes for, no votes 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, subject to the additional condition referred to above.”

Minutes