5 Application No. C16/0835/44/CR - Capel Garth, Bank Place, Porthmadog PDF 177 KB
Conversion of a former chapel into 9 residential units.
LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor E. Selwyn Griffiths
Link to relevant background documents
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Conversion of former chapel into nine residential units with parking
provision.
(a) The Planning Manager elaborated on the background of the application and noted that
only national matters would be assessed, namely, the impact of the proposal on the appearance and historical and architectural character of the listed building.
Attention was drawn to the additional
observations that had been received.
It was noted that it was appreciated that it was
necessary to adapt features within the building at a fairly extensive rate,
however, there had to be a balance between this and ensuring a future for the
building. It was noted that its
condition had deteriorated and it was now impacting the building itself, the
streetscape and the amenities of nearby housing not to mention being a hazard.
It was emphasised that the correct balance needed to be struck between
safeguarding a listed building and its features and ensuring its long-term use.
It was felt that this was lost in assessments by some statutory consultees;
ideally it would have been brought back into use sooner, but bearing in mind
the situation one had to be more open minded about allowing new use of the
building.
It was considered that the principle of the
proposal to re-use and convert the building was to be welcomed which would
ensure the future and new use of the grade II listed building. It was noted
that interior work was substantial in nature, but as explained above, this was
considered essential to enable the establishment of a new long-term use for the
building, and the compromise was to ensure that many of the features that would
be removed/taken off were used within the units.
(b) It was proposed and seconded to approve the application.
In
response to a question by a member, the Planning Manager noted that the
detailed schemes attached to the application showed an intention to re-use many
of the seats in the gallery as part of new kitchens and partitions and within
the units. She added that the ceiling would be protected by being concealed as
often happened with chapel conversions.
Members expressed their sadness in
terms of losing heritage and intricate work but that it was difficult to strike
a balance in terms of safeguarding features and bringing the building back into
use.
RESOLVED to approve the application subject to
receiving confirmation from CADW.
Conditions:
1. Five years
2. In accordance with the plans
3. Design and finish of the vehicular access, to include the door, to be approved in writing by
the LPA prior to the commencement of any other work
subject to the permission.
4. Photographic
record condition
5. Roof slates to match the existing slates
6. Original windows as they
are to be repaired and any windows
replaced to be in keeping with the original/glazing conditions with opaque/frosted glass
7. New back door to be made of wood to match the rest
8. Cast-iron rainwater
goods