Charlotte Square

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn Association notes that this application relates solely to Listed Building Consent and therefore comments only on the effect of the proposed works upon the special architectural and historic interest of this Category A listed building.

We recognise that securing viable ongoing uses for historic buildings can contribute positively to their long-term conservation. However, any alterations to a Category A listed building within Charlotte Square require particularly careful justification and should clearly demonstrate a conservation-led approach based upon minimum intervention and retention of historic fabric.

While the proposed internal alterations appear relatively modest, the application is not accompanied by a standalone Heritage Statement, or equivalent assessment, clearly identifying the significance of the affected historic fabric and demonstrating how the proposals have been informed by that understanding.

The Council should therefore be satisfied that sufficient information has been provided to demonstrate that:

• the historic plan form has been preserved wherever possible;
• significant historic fabric and interior features have been retained;
• new kitchens, bathrooms and service installations represent the minimum intervention necessary;
• alternative, less invasive approaches have been considered; and
• all alterations remain reversible wherever reasonably practicable.

Should this level of heritage assessment not already be contained within the submitted documentation, we consider that further conservation justification should be sought before Listed Building Consent is determined. Given the statutory duty to have special regard to preserving listed buildings, it is important that the planning authority is satisfied that the significance of the building has been properly understood and that the proposed works preserve its special architectural and historic interest.

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