Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received as stated above.

There were no declarations of interest stated.

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting(s)

Resolved:              That the minutes of the previous meeting held on the 26th of November 2024 be agreed as a correct record.

To receive the decisions of applications which have been previously considered by this Working Party

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

To make observations on new applications received

Resolved:    That the following observations be made:

Former Civic Offices, Merrial Street/Ryecroft 24/008240/FUL

Members agreed that the new buildings directly adjacent to Merrial Street were the strongest parts of the scheme, however the lack of appropriately coloured and detailed drawings made it difficult to fully assess other parts of the proposal. The heavy use of Staffordshire blue brick was also questioned, as this brick type was traditionally not used to cover the entirety of buildings, and more red brick should be incorporated into the scheme.

Concerns were also raised about the design of the largest centrally positioned building which was considered to have a ‘workhouse’ like design with a roof that didn’t reflect the local vernacular, as well as with respect of the lack of parking spaces and the reliance on the new Rycroft car park building, which may not be suitable for all users. As a minimum the site should provide pick up points for residents.

Overall the Working Party considered that the proposal required further thought and only around a third of the scheme was of an acceptable design standard.

Sanctuary Cottage, Johnsons Wood Farm, Tag Lane, Hales, Loggerheads 24/00910/FUL and 24/00911/LBC

The Working Party accepted that whilst the removal of some of the existing outbuildings was welcomed from a design perspective, the new additions to the building still contrasted with the traditional form of the original cottage and that there was a missed opportunity to create something more sympathetic.

A number of recommendations were suggested such as the use of some traditional materials as opposed to timber cladding to help integrate the scheme better with the original dwellings.

Overall the group felt the scheme could be made better with more thoughtful use of materials and roof arrangements.

Resolved:    That the following be agreed:

3 Church Street, Newcastle (Referenced 24/25006HBG)

The group unanimously agreed that the application for financial assistance should be granted, in order to help preserve the historic features of the building. 

There was no urgent business.