Agenda item

External alterations comprising 8 no. conservation rooflights. As amended on 16/02/2022.

The Committee considered applications at Omnibus Building, Lesbourne Road, Reigate for external alterations comprising 8 no. conservation rooflights. As amended on 16/02/2022.

Daniel Chapman, the applicant, spoke in support of the application, explaining that they wanted to provide high-quality office space, promoting worker wellbeing. Significant investment in the quality of the office space and public areas of the building had been made, at a total cost of over £1.25 million. Potential tenants confirmed that they would only be interested in taking the space if rooflights were installed, as this would provide natural daylight and external views. This modest alteration to the roof has been developed alongside an experienced heritage specialist and the rooflights were of the same type used by Heritage England in their headquarters which was also Grade II-listed. Considerable effort had gone into considering alternatives to this proposal; however, they could not address the issues which this application sought to resolve. The benefits of the alterations were outlined. The Omnibus building itself was not a converted bus garage, but an almost entirely new building, constructed in the late 1990s, with only the original back wall remaining. The roof into which the rooflights would be inserted had been rebuilt with an entirely new structure.

A reason for permission was proposed by Councillor Michalowski and seconded by Councillor Blacker, whereupon the Committee voted on each application in turn (21/00468/F and 21/00469/LBC) and RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED on the grounds that:

The development hereby permitted has been assessed against development plan policies CS1, CS4, CS10, DES1, NHE9, TAP1 and material considerations, including third party representations.  It has been concluded that although the development would cause harm to the listed building, such harm is outweighed by the economic benefits and the proposal is therefore in accordance with the development plan and there are no material considerations that justify refusal in the public interest.

Proactive and Positive Statements

The Local Planning Authority has acted positively and proactively in determining this application by assessing the proposal against all material considerations, including planning policies and any representations that may have been received and subsequently determining to grant planning permission in accordance with the presumption in favour of sustainable development where possible, as set out within the National Planning Policy Framework.

CONDITIONS

1. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:

Plan Type                 Reference        Version      Date Received

Location Plan            0200 P-00                             25.02.2021

Floor Plan                  0201 P-00                             25.02.2021

Floor Plan                  0202 P-00                             25.02.2021

Floor Plan                  0203 P-00                             25.02.2021

Roof Plan                  0204 P-00                             25.02.2021

Elevation Plan          0205 P-00                             25.02.2021

Elevation Plan          0306 P-01                             27.01.2022

Reason: To define the permission and ensure the development is carried out in accord with the approved plans and in accordance with National Planning Practice Guidance.

2.    The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: To comply with Section 91(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by Section 51 (1) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

3.    Notwithstanding the drawings, the rooflights shall be black painted metal rooflights with glazing bars of traditional profile. Details of the proposed conservation rooflights including colour and detailing and drawings showing the details and position flush with plane of roof shall be submitted and approved in writing of the Local Planning Authority before the rooflights are installed. Metal wrapped timber rooflights will be unacceptable due to their large profile.

Reason: To minimise harm to the character of the Grade II listed building with regards Development Management Plan Policies DES1, NHE9 and TAP1.