Proposed renovation, repair and refurbishment works required to Shire Hall including the introduction of a new library space within the Assembly Hall.

Applications approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

The Senior Planning Officer provided a presentation on the application and the updates/representations received following the publication of the agenda.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Mr Tristram spoke on behalf of Hereford City Council, Mr Milln, Chair of the Hereford Civic Society, spoke in objection to the application and Ms Lee, representative of the applicant, spoke in support.

In accordance with the Council’s constitution the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, she explained that the proposal to incorporate the library and learning space into the Shirehall made best use of an historical building. The application concerned the repair, renovation and refurbishment of an historic building and it was noted that only one objection had been received from the Hereford Civic Society. The plans for the building were welcomed as an asset to the city of Hereford and the county as a whole.

In accordance with the Council’s constitution Councillor Jonthan Lester spoke on the application as a cabinet member. In summary, he explained that the works proposed to the Shirehall were a renaissance of a cultural element of Hereford. The restoration and repurposing of the building would be transformative for library and learning services and made best use of an historic building.

Councillor Lester left the meeting at 10:02 a.m.

The committee debated the application. The renovation, repair and restoration of the building as set out in both applications was supported by the committee. A point of clarification regarding the number of cycle spaces provided was requested.

The Development Manager Service Manager explained that the conditions attached to the application would be reviewed and clarified, in accordance with delegations to officers, including details on the number of cycle parking spaces provided on the site.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.

Councillor Dave Davies proposed and Councillor Richard Thomas seconded a motion that application 242506 be approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

Councillor Dave Davies proposed and Councillor Richard Thomas seconded a motion that application 242507 be approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

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

RESOLVED -

242506/CD3

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions and any other further conditions or amendments to the below conditions, considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers: