AMBITIOUS plans to transform a former college building into guest apartments near Warrington town centre have been thrown out by town planners.
The plan to extend and convert the former 19th-century art school college building in Museum Street, Warrington, involved a three-storey rear extension and conversion and change of use of the original building to provide 41 serviced apartments, following partial demolition of the rear.
The application was rejected by Warrington Borough Council planners under delegated powers on the grounds the proposed development failed to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Palmyra Square Conservation Area, by reason of introducing a three-storey flat-roofed monolithic block that has a height, bulk, and design which fails to recognise the special qualities, local distinctiveness and unique physical aspects of the conservation area.
The development would also have a detrimental impact on the significance of a Locally Listed Building by introducing a form of development that would be over-dominant and not reflect the architecture of the existing building that is recognised in its status as a non-designated heritage asset.
Overall the proposal is considered to cause harm to the designated asset and have a detrimental impact on the significance of a non-designated asset that is not outweighed by the public benefit.
Planners say the proposal would also introduce a form of development that is not considered to represent a high-quality addition to an existing building, the large 3-storey flat-roofed block does not follow local design guidance which seeks to avoid flat-roofed structures in Warrington Town Centre and overall the design quality of the proposed extension is not considered to be visually attractive nor sympathetic to local character and the surrounding built environment.
They also said there was insufficient information, (with regard to a full Bat Survey) has been submitted with the planning application in order for the Local Planning Authority to determine whether there is a likelihood that Bats would be affected/harmed as a result of the development proposed.
The proposal was also considered to adversely affect the amenity of adjoining residential occupiers by reason of a significant unacceptable reduction in their outlook and perception of overlooking and loss of privacy. It is also considered that the development would not provide future occupants with an acceptable form of accommodation for a maximum 90-day period particularly for flats on the lower floors of the building with an outlook onto a large boundary wall.
The application involved only five of the dwellings in the original, locally listed, building and the remaining 36 would be in a three-storey rear extension.
Each unit would consist of a double bed, desk/seating area, cooking facilities, storage and a shower room. Bin stores and 28 cycle spaces would be provided externally, but no car parking.
The rear extension would replace existing two and three-story extensions which are said to be in a poor state of repair.
Few changes are proposed for the original part of the building, other than those to “tidy up” the appearance of the building following six years of disuse.
A car-free development is proposed because of the nearness of bus and train services and of the town centre.
The apartments were described as guest accommodation – with guests not permitted to stay for periods of more than 90 days.
Built in 1884, the building was originally Warrington School of Art.
The developers, who last year transformed the nearby Old Post Office on Springfield Street into a boutique aparthotel, said the scheme will play an important role in supporting Warrington’s visitor economy.
Its understood the applicants will appeal the decision.
Plan to transform former college building into guest apartments
