Protection for historic pub

COUNCIL chiefs are to apply protective rendering to the gable wall of a historic Warrington pub to protect it from the weather.
But in doing so, they will be going against the advice of English Heritage experts.
The southerly gable of the Grade 2 Listed King’s Head, in Winwick Street, Warrington was left exposed when adjoining property was demolished some three years ago.
The brickwork exposed was of poor quality and in need of repair, so a coat of render was applied.
But now, the borough’s planning committee was told, it has been discovered the type of render was inappropriate in terms of colour, application and mix. A new coat is required to provide adequate weather protection and a more satisfactory finish.
English Heritage says the pub – built in the late 19th century, integrates a number of architectural revival styles distinctive of its time and represents aesthetic interest as well as historic value.
They say the existing cement-based rendering inhibits the necessary “breathability” of the traditional construction and could result, in the long term, in water retention and material deterioration. They recommend the use of a lime-based render to achieve breathability.
But the planning committee has agreed to the use of a silicone/acrylic render which will provide vapour permeability, flexibility, water resistance, stability against UV and will be self-cleaning.
They say it is best not to remove the existing render, as this could result in damage to the brickwork underneath.
Applying the silicone/acrylic render will not worsen the existing situation in terms of breathability but will improve the visual appearance of the gable end.
On balance, planners believe this will be the best solution to the problem – subject to a condition that an appropriate colour is used.