Agenda and minutes

Dr C Wakeling declared an interest in the Keele applications as an Honorary Fellow of the University.

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting(s)

Resolved:                 That the minutes of the meeting held on 11 April, 2017 be agreed as a correct record.

Resolved:               That the decisions on applications previously considered by this Working Party be received.

Resolved:-That the following observations be made on the applications listed below:-

Newcastle School  17/00253/FUL

The Working Party had no objection to the proposal.  They did query the proposed use of wrought iron for the gates as specified, because sometimes mild steel is substituted and state that the materials should match.  They support re-laying of the setts which is very important for the character of the Conservation Area.  They are also concerned that widening the access may lead to even less care taken by larger vehicles and suggest that low bollards (stone, iron or concrete), as used traditionally, slightly in front of the gates, may help to protect the new gates and piers.

Land adj to 8 The Crescent, Silverdale 17/00223/FUL

No objections to the proposal but there was some discussion over the correct shape of the roof.  The traditional terraces within the Conservation Area have pitched roof, and the semis in the cul de sac are fully hipped.  Support for these two approaches was given by members but some members supported the half hip as set out in the development proposal.  There was no consensus with the approach that should be taken.

43/44 Eccleshall Road, Mucklestone 17/00283/FUL.

The Working Party has no objections to the principle of the extension but this proposal needs redesigning to be more sympathetic to the characterful properties which make a significant contribution to the Conservation Area. The Working Party considered that the proposal was disappointing and no part of the extension relates to the existing building – existing buildings have defining string courses and windows, half hipped roofs.  The chance to undertake an extension to both properties at the same time and ensure a well-designed and sensitive approach is a great opportunity and will be lost.  There was also a question the gradient of the ramp and think that more of a curve might be a better approach to reduce the gradient.

St Peters Church, Maer  17/00219/FUL

The Working Party wants to ensure that there is an archaeological brief during the works and that consideration has been given to keeping water away from the door threshold of the new toilet.

Lindsay Hall, Keele University  17/00298/FUL

The Working Party strongly objects to the external fire staircases both in terms of their design and proposed materials.  Sneyd House is extremely visible and prominent on the ring road and a gateway into the centre of the University.  The pair of Halls is amongst the first generation of buildings on the campus and is part of the parkland setting.  The escape staircases are unimaginative and contradict the quality of the approach the University has taken to redevelop the campus, especially more recently.

Keele Hall, Keele University 17/00272/LBC

No objections to the proposal but wants any new additions to the doors and walls – such as any touch panels, as a result of the overall refurbishment of the doors, to be first agreed with the Conservation Officer.

There was no Urgent Business.