Agenda item

Internal alterations to convert the building into 9 living units

LOCAL MEMBERS: Councillor Dylan Fernley and Councillor Nigel Pickavance

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To approve the application subject to the following conditions:-

1.         5 years

2.         In accordance with the plans.

3.         Photographic record

4.         Details of any vents and flues to be agreed beforehand. 

5.         Details of any secondary glazing to be agreed beforehand. 

6.         Any window replaced to match the existing window.

a)      The Planning Manager highlighted that this was an application for a listed building permission to convert a building into nine self-contained residential units. It was explained that a principle of changing the use of the building was irrelevant to the application and the decision of application C24/0074/11/LL (to change and convert the Bangor Independent School, Ffordd Gwynedd, Bangor building into nine living units). The Committee was requested to only consider the physical changes to the building in accordance with Technical Advice Note 24: The Historical Environment and the need to assess specific matters for this type of application.

It was reported that the alterations mainly related to new openings within some existing walls and to construct new internal walls. It was reiterated that there was an intention to insulate the walls internally and two external doors would be closed from the inside to protect the building from floods. There would be no external changes. The internal stairs in the building would be retained, with a second less decorated set of stairs being closed up. It was noted that two amenity groups had declared concerns about the stairs and asked for more details and confirmation about the work. Confirmation was received by the Agent that the stairs would remain as they were and be protected.

With all the new units, including a new kitchen and bathroom, the need to install a ventilation system within the building through the new services and out of the current chimneys was highlighted, which was to be welcomed as there would be no damage to the building. It was reiterated that there was an intention to install secondary glazing through the building, which was again to be welcomed as it meant retaining and restoring the original windows - the details to be agreed through conditions.

It was explained that the proposal was a sensitive one, with the little internal work respecting the layout and protection of the main characteristics. The majority of this work could be taken in the future (if required) - this would ensure that there would be no permanent harm to the building.

As a result, it was considered that the proposal complied with the requirements of national and local policies. It was reiterated that the report had been prepared by Cyngor Gwynedd's Senior Conservation Officer who had delegated rights to decide on applications for listed building permissions. This meant, should the application be approved by the Committee, there would be no need to refer the application to CADW.

b)      It was proposed and seconded to approve the application.

c)      During the ensuing discussion, the following observations were made by Members:

·        Although the car park was the flood risk area, the back door on the lower ground level of the property which opened out to the car park must be permanently closed from the inside as a flood prevention matter - was this reasonable?

·        There was a need to ensure a condition to protect the stained-glass windows.

RESOLVED to approve the application subject to the following conditions:-

1.            5 years.

2.            In accordance with the plans.

3.            Photographic record.

4.            Details of any vents and flues to be agreed beforehand. 

5.            Details of any secondary glazing to be agreed beforehand. 

6.            Any window replaced to match the existing window.