Historic buildings can be altered

WARRINGTON Borough Council has been told by its own planners that they are minded to approve alterations to two of the most important historic buildings in the town centre.
But final approval will have to come from the Government before the changes can be made at the Parr Hall and the Central Library.
The Secretary of State will have to make the ruling because both buildings are Grade 2 Listed and also owned by the council.
The plan for the Parr Hall involves removing a section of brick wall and railings at the rear to form a new access to an existing substation and the provision of new, 1.8m high gates.
Planners say the railings to be removed are less decorative than other wrought iron railings on top of the boundary wall, suggesting they may have been added at a later date rather than being part of the original.
The proposals have been sensitively designed, retaining existing brick piers and will not adversely affect the setting of the Parr Hall nor the adjoining Technical School building.
At the Library, the proposals involve refurbishment of Gallery 7 and removal of some insensitive additions done in the 1960s/70s to reveal historic features such as a roof lantern and stage.
Planners believe the changes will enhance the building, only slightly altering the building’s external appearance..

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