South Somerset District Council: Pure Town Planning have recently secured amendments to an extant planning permission and listed building consent for a new convenience store in Castle Cary.
In September 2022, we secured permission for a change of use from a public house (Sui Generis), construction of single storey extensions and new stairwell with associated internal and external works to provide a convenience store (Use Class E) at ground floor level and one residential dwelling over two floors, which was designed by UAN Architecture.
During the construction of the development, it was discovered that the many of the aspects of the historic building were unsafe and required replacement/upgrading. This included many of the existing first floor joists, which were rotten and deemed to be unsafe. As part of the upgrade works, the applicant’s structural engineer from Shipstal Limited designed an innovative scheme which enabled the existing first-floor level to be raised internally. This meant that there was no longer any need to lower the ground floor finished level at the building, as per the approved plans.
Other repair/remedial works that was identified at construction stage and incorporated into the amendment application included:
- The removal and reconstruction of the chimney stacks to include trays to prevent water ingress and damp.
- Removal of modern external paintwork from the building and repainting with a breathable paint to prevent damp.
- Installation of damp prevention measures to the ground floor to prevent further issues and repair internal walls, which have damp ingress.
- Repointing of exterior stone and brick walls with lime mortar
- Removal of existing degenerated facing bricks and replacement with reclaimed brick
- Replacement of lead work around the existing bay and door porticos
- Replacement of the existing front doors with new panelled timber doors
Due to the extent and complexity of the work to the Grade II listed building, we appointed a heritage advisor from Western Design Architects to the design team and we facilitated in-depth pre-application discussions and site meetings with the Council’s Conservation Officer.
Through this process, we were able to demonstrate to that Local Planning Authority (LPA) that the collective repair works to listed building were a public benefit, which would outweigh the less than substantial harm to the significance of the designated heritage asset that would arise from the internal changes to the existing floor joists. The amendment application was duly approved by the LPA and the development has now been completed.
The new store has been occupied by the Co-op who have relocated from a smaller premises nearby in the town. The new store is three times larger than Co-op’s former store, creating new jobs and providing an enhanced range and choice to better serve the local community
If you have a commercial premises and would like to pursue a change of use application, or any other commercially-related planning application for that matter such as; increasing opening hours, new shopfronts, new signage, canopies etc. then why not call Pure Town Planning on 01202 585524 or email info@puretownplanning.co.uk to see how we can help you.