Proposed renovation and adaptation of the existing Hereford Museum and Library to become a dedicated and enhanced facility for Herefordshire Museum Service and viable for the future. This would comprise a museum, education space, galleries, cafe, and staff facilities.

Application approved with a change to conditions.

The principal planning officer provided a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Mr Fowler and Mr Milln spoke in objection to the application, Mr Allonby, applicant, and Mr Neep, applicant’s agent, spoke in support.

In accordance with the council's constitution the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, she explained that although elements of the original structure would be lost the scheme represented a significant improvement to the building overall. The newly renovated art gallery and museum would be a significant asset to Hereford and would enhance the town centre. Proposals in the application would also significantly improve the environmental performance of the building.

The committee debated the application. There was significant support for the application among the committee members but concern was expressed regarding the proposed removal of the historic railings from the front of the building. A condition to the permission was required to ensure the railings along the front of the building would be retained.

Councillor Bruce Baker proposed and Councillor Stef Simmons seconded the approval of application 230385 subject to the changes to conditions as outlined below:

            - an additional condition to ensure that, notwithstanding the approved plans, the railings to the front of the building should be retained.

Councillor Bruce Baker proposed and Councillor Stef Simmons seconded the approval of application 230386.

The motions were put to the vote and were carried unanimously.

RESOLVED –

a) 230385/F – That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions, an additional condition relating to the retention of the railings to the front of the building and any other conditions (amendments) considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers:

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

Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990

2.     Approved Drawings – Development in accordance with the approved plan: See Appendix 4

3.     No surface water from any increase in the roof area of the building /or impermeable surfaces within its curtilage shall be allowed to drain directly or indirectly to the public sewerage system.

Reason: To prevent hydraulic overloading of the public sewerage system having reagrd to opilicies SD3 and SD4 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy

4.     Without the exception of  strip out works to remove modern fabric such as suspended ceilings, dry linings to undertake asbestos removal no development shall take place until the developer has secured the implementation of a programme of archaeological survey and recording [to include recording of the standing historic fabric and any below ground deposits affected by the works].  This programme shall be in accordance with a written scheme of investigation which has been submitted by the applicant and approved by the Local Planning Authority and shall be in accordance with a brief prepared by the County Archaeology Service.

Reason: To allow for recording of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14