Agenda item

That the application be REFUSED  for the following reasons:

1. The alterations fail to conserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Taddington Conservation Area. The development has introduced discordant and unsympathetic materials and detailing which harm the contribution the building makes to the streetscape and Conservation Area. The identified harm is not outweighed by the limited public benefits of the development and the proposal is therefore contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework and Policy DMC8 of the Development Management Policies.

2. The Bramwell Memorial Institute is a non-designated heritage asset of local significance. The alterations have obscured historic fabric, 10 October 2025 unsympathetic detailing, and replaced traditional gritstone with modern pre-cast materials. As such, the development fails to conserve the significance of this nondesignated heritage asset, contrary to policy DMC5 of the Development Management Policies.

3. The works, by reason of their design, materials, and detailing, are not sympathetic to the character of the existing building or the wider landscape setting. The proposal therefore fails to achieve a high standard of design required under policies DMC3 and DMH7 of the Development Management Policies.

P Brady left the room whilst this item was discussed and V Priestley, the Vice Chair of Planning Committee, took the chair for the duration of this item.

The Planning Officer presented the report and outlined the reasons for refusal as set out in the report.

Some Members had visited the site the previous day.

A motion to refuse the application was proposed, seconded, put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

That the application be REFUSED  for the following reasons:

1.    The alterations fail to conserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Taddington Conservation Area. The development has introduced discordant and unsympathetic materials and detailing which harm the contribution the building makes to the streetscape and Conservation Area. The identified harm is not outweighed by the limited public benefits of the development and the proposal is therefore contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework and Policy DMC8 of the Development Management Policies.

2.    The Bramwell Memorial Institute is a non-designated heritage asset of local significance. The alterations have obscured historic fabric, have introduced unsympathetic detailing, and replaced traditional gritstone with modern pre-cast materials. As such, the development fails to conserve the significance of this non-designated heritage asset, contrary to policy DMC5 of the Development Management Policies.

3.    The works, by reason of their design, materials, and detailing, are not sympathetic to the character of the existing building or the wider landscape setting. The proposal therefore fails to achieve a high standard of design required under policies DMC3 and DMH7 of the Development Management Policies.