Agenda item

The building in its current form is well preserved and of positive aesthetic value. The Working Party would request that the scheme is amended to retain more of the existing buildings character. Suggests a hipped roof should be used to reflect the design of adjacent buildings and that a more sympathetic pallet of materials would allow the building to be more in keeping with the character of the neighbourhood. The Working Party also noted that the front extension and new parking area would result in the urbanisation of the area forward of the principal elevation in an area characterised by generous front garden space. The plaque should also be retained.

Mount Pleasant, The Holborn, Madeley 18/00750/FUL

The Working Party welcomes the amended proposals with regards to the reduced scale of the garage and the use of appropriate materials. Concerns were expressed on the height of the garage noting that this appeared slightly excessive and may be detrimental to the relationship between the existing garage and the main dwelling. The party requests that the overall height of the garage is reduced. The use of an ‘up-and-over’ door was also raised as a concern by the party who would request that double doors of wooden construction should be used to appear similar to those on the existing garage. Finally the proposal should utilise materials to match the existing detached garage on the site.

18 Well Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme  18/00767/FUL

The Working Party has no objections to the rear extension and welcomes the use of the recess on the front elevation to retain the appearance of the existing undercroft which they noted makes a positive contribution to the character of this part of the Town Centre Conservation Area.  They would like to see the new window centralised to correspond with the first floor window above. The materials on the new recessed front elevation should be of contrast to the main building, preferably a material that would offer a more shaded appearance to reflect the notion that this is a former alleyway. In addition the Working Party considers that the recess should be set back even further in order to allow for increased space for the storage of waste bins as well as bicycles given the multiple occupation of the property.

8-10 High Street,  Newcastle 18/00774/FUL

Whilst the Working Party raised no objections to the principle of the proposed application, they questioned the viability of this level of student accommodation in the building, and this part of the Town Centre. The presence of the Juliet balconies on the rear facing onto communal land presents an increased likelihood for antisocial behaviour.  Suggestion that the use of lighting on the rear elevation would present a more attractive rear space, enhancing the appearance of this elevation of the building.

Ivy House, Three Mile Lane, Whitmore 18/00785/FUL and 18/00786/LBC

The Working Party objects to the proposed rear orangery extension. The proposal is not in keeping with the character of the listed building. The detailing on the cornices and use of wide opening doors fails to respect the historical character of the building and the resulting large internal space is contradictory to the small living spaces that are integral to the buildings character. Cumulatively this results in a significant change that is harmful to the unique character of Ivy House.  It is suggested that a revised scheme should consider the use of angles to reflect the variety of roof slopes on the main building; the current square form proposed is not sympathetic to this. They suggest that a grand lean-to style extension may be more acceptable incorporate details from the existing building.

The Working Party also objects to the proposed internal alterations, with the exception of the removal of the staircase. A great part of the character of the building is made up by the structure of the internal layout and room features and so the Working Party noted that the removal of interior walls would significantly change the character of the building. Appropriate details should be provided or conditions approved to ensure that the finish to the proposed alterations is appropriate for this listed building.