Ian Stevens at Fisher German has recently secured planning permission for residential redevelopment of a Grade II listed building on the edge Chester’s historic city centre.
The listed property, at Richmond Place, is a local landmark and has been used as offices in recent years.
The Georgian building dates back to the early nineteenth century and is predominantly brick built with a stone verandah. There is a two-storey outrigger to the rear, a later addition to the site.
The application proposed to convert the main listed building and provide eight apartments. The rear outbuilding was to be demolished and a new six-apartment building proposed in its place.
There were several planning issues to consider in redeveloping the site. Not only is the main building listed but the site is in a conservation area, surrounded on all sides by development. A sensitive design solution was required to ensure an appropriate and viable re-use of the historic building.
Ian led a project team of architects, historic building specialist, ecology and tree consultants to develop a clear strategy for the site. Early pre-application discussions with Cheshire West and Chester Council helped to agree design and heritage principles for the scheme.
As with most aspects of planning, heritage and conservation requires a thorough understanding of regulation, policy, finance and economic viability. Please hit on the link to see plans http://194.187.35.179/Planning/StreamDocPage/obj.pdf?DocNo=2359708&PDF=true&content=obj.pdf
Officers supported the design scheme, concluding that ridding the property of some later, insensitive alterations and restoring elements of its original character were beneficial features. The new contemporary designed apartment building was also regarded as a more positive contributor to the setting of the listed building, together with the surrounding car parking and landscaping improvements.
Ian prepared a financial viability assessment of the scheme. We successfully negotiated with the Council’s viability officer to provide an off-site affordable housing contribution with no other planning obligations required. Planning permission was granted by the Council in January 2017 and the site is currently being marketed for sale by Fisher German’s agency team. An offer has successfully been accepted for the property already and the sale is going through.
We are currently working on other heritage and conservation applications in the north west. These include the provision of overnight accommodation at an historic Grade II* listed hall in the Cheshire Green Belt; and with exploring options for the sensitive redevelopment of a Grade II listed church in Warrington.
If you wish to discuss what opportunities are available for your sites, then please contact our north west regional planner Ian Stevens on
01244 409668 or email ian.stevens@fishergerman.co.uk