CONTEXT 185 : SEPTEMBER 2025 11 WS Gilbert of Gilbert and Sullivan. The fourth floor was a narrow area under the apex of the roof between the front and rear gables, accessed by a tight staircase. The inspector concluded that the insertion of ensuites would not harm the simple cellular layout nor affect its social hierarchy. Allowed. Ref: LBA-1702021 The removal of bells from a redundant church in Holywood, Galloway, Scotland, was refused by a reporter on the basis that the bells were an intrinsic part of the Category B listed building, and their removal would harm its significance. Dismissed. Ref: 3319608 This appeal related to a 74-page listed building enforcement notice for the excavation of basement floors to a listed building in Westminster, London. The Grade II-listed host dwelling, dating to 1729, comprises three floors with a basement. The appellant inserted a further basement to accommodate a gymnasium, sauna, bathroom, cinema and storage, and changed the levels of the existing basement. The inspector concluded that the unauthorised alterations to the listed building resulted in harm to the special interest (significance), with very limited public benefits. Dismissed. Ref: 3351431 This appeal relates to an application for 177 apartments for multi-generation living, including open-market, affordable and retirement housing. The application was refused on heritage and flooding grounds. The appeal site was adjacent to a conservation area, and within the setting of many listed buildings and non-designated heritage assets. Historic England objected to the scheme on the basis the design was unsympathetic. It preferred a development that would follow the scale, finer grain and form of the development exhibited by the buildings adjacent to it within the conservation area. The inspector disagreed and stated that it would revitalise a derelict piece of unattractive industrial land. The previous development on the site, the inspector said, was not part of a historic development pattern, and a contrasting form and scale would not necessarily be significantly out of scale, incongruous or unattractive. Allowed. Ref: LBA-140-2017 This appeal related to the unauthorised installation of replacement windows in a Grade A-listed building in Walkerburn, Scottish Borders. The reporter described the scheme as having stick-on astragals, heavy frames and trickle vents, and concluded that they would not preserve the listed building or its features of architectural or historic interest. Dismissed. Ref: CAS-03710-X8S2k6 and CAS-03714-C8B6W6 This appeal relates to a proposal for three new terraced dwellings, and the rebuilding of a barn and its conversion to a dwelling, in Powys, Wales. The main issue was the impact on the setting of an adjacent listed building, Ivy House, a late Georgian house with cobbled courtyard and outbuildings, which is enclosed by a stone wall extending along the access driveway. Although the inspector stated that the proposed design of the new buildings would be in keeping with the listed building, the widening of the access road and demolition of part of the wall, which is attached to the listed building, would harm the significance of the listed building. Dismissed Called-in decision Ref 23/00612/FUL (NOD-390-001) This proposal, relating to the formation of a trotting track on land adjacent to Bannockburn Battlefield site, was considered acceptable by Stirling Council. However, the Scottish ministers called in the application, in view of the potential impact on the historic battlefield and listed building of national significance. The reporter considered that planning permission should be granted. The Scottish ministers disagreed with the reporter’s conclusion. They considered that the development would detract from the prominence of the listed building, from views of the topography of the battlefield, and from the ability to appreciate and understand this ‘and how it affected the battle, for example Bruce’s choice of ground for his camp’). Dismissed Alexandra Fairclough is a member of the IHBC law panel and a barrister (non-practising). She teaches heritage law at Manchester School of Architecture, and is principal built heritage and design officer at Bolton Council. Robert the Bruce leading his soldiers in a discussion of the merits of creating a trotting track next to the site of the Battle of Bannockburn
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