Listed building restoration at Impney Estate Impney, Droitwich Spa

What was proposed

The application sought removal of modern extensions, repairs to Impney Hall, conversion of Pillons Villa, and demolition of buildings and hard standing.

“Application Number W/22/00915/LB Site Address Impney Estate, Impney, Droitwich Spa, WR9 0BN Description of Development Building works to remove 20th Century extensions to the Grade II* Impney Hall and subsequent external repairs to the building. Works to Pillons Villa to facilitate conversion to residential apartments. Demolition of standalone buildings and associated infrastructure including hard standing within the listed curtilage and ground works.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The estate contains a Grade II* listed hall, other historic structures, parkland and greenfield land within the Green Belt.

“Chateau Impney (referred to as Impney Hall) is a Grade II* listed building built in the Louis XIII Revival style. Within its associated estate there are a number of historic and modern structures and buildings. Several structures are Grade II listed, others are curtilage listed, and some are of no historic significance.”

“The site falls wholly within the Green Belt and comprises part previously developed land and part undeveloped greenfield land, which includes historic parkland associated with the Chateau and agricultural land.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and changes

The application followed an earlier committee resolution and was substantially revised, including retaining Pillons Villa instead of demolishing it.

“The application returns to Committee further to an original resolution on 22 September 2022 ‘That delegated authority be given to the Director of Planning and Infrastructure to approve the application subject to a Section 106 legal agreement to secure the necessary contributions outlined in the Heads of Terms and to agree suitable planning conditions and the carrying out of a design review process, seeking any necessary design improvements, to involve the Council’s Urban…”

“A parallel Full Application for Retention of Use Class C1 hotel, (Impney Hall) and Use Class E commercial premises, retention of Pillons Villa and conversion to residential apartments, demolition of existing buildings and infrastructure, building works to construct Use Class C3 residential dwellings and Use class E commercial business and services, associated hard and soft landscaping, engineering works including groundworks, drainage and access under reference…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended delegated approval subject to a legal agreement securing restoration works and listed conditions.

“RECOMMENDATION To delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Infrastructure to grant listed building consent subject to the completion of a S106 legal agreement to secure the restoration works detailed and the conditions listed, allowing for any subsequent amendments to the obligations and conditions as required by the Director of Planning and Infrastructure.”

Officer report

Heritage benefits and safeguards

Officers considered that removing harmful additions, restoring historic fabric and retaining Pillons Villa would improve the listed buildings and their settings.

“Pillons Villa, which is the only remaining evidence of a former historic walled garden associated with Impney Hall, is currently heavily compromised by the Regent Centre and was originally to be demolished under the original proposals. However, as part of the amended scheme, retention of Pillons Villa is proposed and welcomed, with its adaptation and redevelopment as 2 no. 2 bed flats.”

“Further to the above, the proposals are considered secure betterment to the character and appearance, appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of the listed buildings to which the works relate. As such the proposals are considered to accord with the conservation aims and objectives of policies SWDP6, SWDP21 and SWDP24 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan 2016 (SWDP).”

Officer report

Who spoke

A town councillor spoke for approval, as did the applicant and another speaker.

What members discussed

Members discussed the building’s listed status, the site’s history and the expected timing of the development stages.

“Councillor R C Adams asked for an explanation of the difference between Grade 2 and Grade 2* Listed Buildings. The Head of Development Management explained that it related to either the architectural significance or the historical significance and depended on each individual building and then within each category there was only a certain amount of buildings within the country that met the threshold.”

“Councillor C G J Tucker commented that it had not been touched on the reason why it was there and spoke of the history of the site and the Corbett Saltworks.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee delegated authority to grant listed building consent subject to the restoration agreement and listed conditions.

“To delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Infrastructure to grant listed building consent subject to the completion of a S106 legal agreement to secure the restoration works detailed and the conditions listed, allowing for any subsequent amendments to the obligations and conditions as required by the Director of Planning and Infrastructure.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The consent required commencement within three years, approved plans, construction method statements, material details and demolition plans.

“Prior to the commencement of any development excluding demolition within Little Impney and Parkland Areas of Development (as defined and shown on Drg No.10264 P003), a list of all materials, external finishes, joinery details, fenestration, and rainwater goods (as relevant) and detailed plans or samples (as arelevant) to be used within or upon Impney Hall shall be submitted to the local planning authority and approved in writing.”

“Prior to the commencement of any development excluding demolition within Little Impney and Parkland Areas of Development (as defined and shown on Drg No.10264 P003), a list of all materials, external finishes, joinery details, fenestration, and rainwater goods (as relevant) and detailed plans or samples (as relevant) to be used within or upon Pillons Villa shall be submitted to the local planning authority and approved in writing.”

Minutes