Bandstand repairs and bridge at Gheluvelt Park, Barbourne Road, Worcester

What was proposed

The application sought repairs and redecoration to the bandstand and replacement of the timber walkway bridge, reusing historic elements.

“External redecoration and minor repairs to the bandstand, including refixing or replacing slipped or missing roof tiles, clearing gutters, clearing the rockery, refixing or replacing loose or missing stones, and carrying out repairs to metalwork.”

“Replacement of the existing timber walkway bridge leading to the bandstand, which is now beyond repair. The proposal includes reusing the existing brick and concrete piers and incorporating the existing metal drawbridge into the new bridge design.”

Officer report

The site and its heritage

The bandstand and bridge are within a Grade II listed park, and the bandstand is itself a Grade II listed structure.

“This application relates to the bandstand and bandstand bridge located within Gheluvelt Park. Gheluvelt Park is a public park in Worcester located along the A449 (Barbourne Road) and stretches across to the River Severn. It is a Grade II Listed war memorial park, including homes for ex-servicemen, designed and laid out by Alfred Hill Parker and including parts of the layout of an earlier garden landscape on the site.”

“The park also contains a children's play area, Sons of Rest building, tennis courts and a splash pad. The bandstand is a grade II listed structure in its own right.”

Officer report

Earlier site applications

The site has a history of applications including a footbridge, works to an existing timber bridge and restoration of the public open space.

“Planning History The site has been the subject of the following planning applications 12636 Brick boundary wall. Approved March 16 1956 18158 Enclosure of open veranda to pavilion. Approved June 19 1964 P04M0035 Installation of new river level gauging station. Approved February 25 2004 P06A0024 Application under Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992 for the erection of a footbridge.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the repairs light touch and the bridge replacement necessary, with matching materials and limited alteration to historic fabric.

“Assessment of the impact The proposed works comprise minor repairs and redecoration to the Grade II listed bandstand together with the replacement of the existing timber walkway bridge, reusing the original brick and concrete piers and incorporating the existing metal drawbridge section.”

“The existing timber walkway bridge is in poor condition and beyond reasonable repair. Its replacement is justified on the basis of necessity and will reinstate the functional access to the bandstand. As the proposal retains the existing historic piers and reuses the metal drawbridge, the degree of alteration to original fabric is limited. The repairs are sympathetic in design and appearance, with no adverse impact on the significance or setting of the listed bandstand.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The Conservation Officer and Civic Society raised no objection, the Archaeological Officer deferred to conservation, and the Landscape Officer requested bat safeguards.

“Conservation Officer: No Objection subject to Condition. The relevant heritage policies are contained within the NPPF 2012 (revised 2024) Section 16 paragraphs and the Local Plan policies SWDP6 and SWDP24 pertaining to the Historic Environment and its management. These require the conservation and enhancement of heritage assets.”

“[the applicant] Archaeological Officer: Defer to conservation.”

Officer report

Neighbour comments

No comments were received from neighbours or other third parties, and officers identified no public objections.

“Neighbours and other third-party comments None received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s property manager spoke to the Committee about the proposal.

Members’ discussion

The applicant described the bridge as beyond repair and the alterations as limited, while members praised the project’s heritage benefits and long-term protection.

“Committee Members agreed that this was an excellent project which would enhance the bandstand and safeguard it for a long time into the future. It was an important part of the park’s heritage.”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted unanimously to approve the application, with ten 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 final decision

The Committee granted Listed Building consent subject to the conditions set out in the officer report.

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

Minutes

Conditions attached

The consent requires timely commencement, compliance with approved plans, approval of repair details and matching materials and methods.

“Reason: To ensure compliance with the approved scheme and policies SWDP 6,21 and 24 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan. Prior to commencement of any repair or replacement works to the bandstand or walkway bridge, the following details shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority: • Side-by-side photographs of areas of repair showing existing and proposed materials; • Details and specifications of replacement timber; • Details of…”

“Reason: To ensure that all repair and replacement works are carried out using materials and detailing that are appropriate to the special architectural and historic interest of the Grade II listed structure, in accordance with Section 16 and Section 66 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, Policies SWDP 6 and SWDP 24 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan, and the heritage provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework. 4.”

Officer report