Timber beam repairs at Guildhall, High Street, Worcester

What was proposed

Listed building consent was sought to structurally repair a timber floor beam and restore decoration in the first-floor King’s Room.

“The submitted proposals relate to an application for listed building consent for structural repair of a timber floor beam, including repairs to decoration. The proposed repair works are specifically within a first-floor room identified as F25 (Kings Room) which is currently used predominately for meetings.”

“The submitted Heritage Statement Advises that the proposed works are considered necessary to prevent further structural movement and damage to the internal fabric of the building. It is advised that the timber beam in question is part of the original construction of the building and that cracking to the lower section of the timber beam has worsened over time and has now fractured vertically causing the cracking to the existing plasterwork underneath.”

Officer report

The site and building

The Guildhall is a Grade I listed building in Worcester’s historic city conservation area, with exceptional architectural and historic value.

“The application site relates to Worcester Guildhall, located on Worcester High Street. The Guildhall is a Grade I Listed Building, located within the Historic City Conservation Area. As the Guildhall is located within the City’s historic centre, there are a significant number of other heritage assets including Grade II listed buildings along with locally listed buildings.”

“The Guildhall is one of the most prominent features within the historic core of Worcester, a designated conservation area. It sits centrally within the planned medieval town and displays an early example of a civic building. The Guildhall is noticeably larger than usual size and splendour than other town halls or guildhalls of the period.”

Officer report

Planning history

The site has an extensive planning history, but none of the earlier matters related to these proposed works.

“Planning History 5.1 As the application site is a historic building, the site has been subject to an extensive planning history, however, none of the previous history relates to the current proposals. Consultations 6.1 Formal consultation, including display of site notices, has been undertaken in respect of the application.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Historic England had no objection and supported the repairs, while the archaeological officer sought building recording and a structural watching brief.

“The Guildhall is a Grade I listed building and an important landmark in the city. Internal fabric will be revealed during repair works that provide a unique opportunity to record historic elements of the building not normally seen. A building recording at Level 1-2 with associated structural watching brief will be able to suitably record the historic fabric as well as modern works providing a lasting record of the event.”

Officer report

Comments from others

No third-party comments had been received about the application.

“Neighbours and other third-party comments: No third-party comments have been received to date. Consultee Comments: Historic England:”

Officer report

Who spoke

A council property manager spoke for the applicant and explained the intention to retain as much original structure as possible.

What members discussed

Members asked about the work process, welcomed the application and stressed the need to care for the listed building.

“In response to questions from Committee Members the applicant explained the full process of work to take place which was also highlighted at paragraph 7.8 of the Officer’s report. Committee Members welcomed the application and agreed that good care needed to be taken of the Listed Building and thanked Officers for the detailed schedule of works.”

“The Chair referred to the late paper and the comments of the Conservation Officer who says, such works do not seek to alter the building’s significance but rather prevent further decay or loss of historic fabric while retaining the building's authenticity and integrity.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The proposal to approve was agreed with ten votes in favour, 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.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted listed building consent for the structural repairs and decoration, subject to the stated conditions.

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

Minutes

Conditions attached

The conditions require timely commencement, compliance with the approved details, conservation officer inspection and a photographic record of the works.

“The works to which this Listed Building Consent relates must be commenced before the expiration of three years beginning with the date of this consent. Reason: To conform with the requirements of Section 18 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. 2.”

“Reason: To ensure the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building is preserved, in accordance with Section 16(2) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. A photographic record of the areas affected by the approved works shall be made and submitted to the Local Planning Authority on completion of the works.”

Officer report