The Committee considered an application (19/01457/LBC) for listed building consent for the demolition of part ground and first floor rear extensions and internal openings and doorways. Extension and alterations to form enlarged public house restaurant on the ground floor to the rear of 49-51 St Giles, conversion and change of use of first and second floors to form hotel bedroom accommodation above 49-51 St Giles and change of use of 50 St Giles from Café/Delicatessen to Hotel reception. New services to be installed in the basement and alterations to fenestration and signage. (amended plans and information).

The application was before the Committee because the associated full planning application had been called-in.

In reaching its decision, the Committee considered all the information put before it and was satisfied that the application before them would have a low level of less than substantial harm on the architectural and historic significance of the listed buildings, including their settings. Whilst great weight had been given to the conservation of these designated heritage assets, it was considered that the harm had been clearly and convincingly justified by the applicant and that the level of harm was outweighed by the identified public benefits that would arise from the development which were, a reduced risk of harm through loss of important building fabric, bringing vacant spaces back into use, and increased energy efficiency of the buildings through improved construction.

After debate and on being proposed, seconded and put to the vote, the Committee agreed with the officer’s recommendation to approve the application.

On being put to the vote the Committee agreed the resolution as set out below.

The West Area Planning Committee resolved to:

1.       approve the application for the reasons given in the report and subject to the 9 required conditions set out in section 11 of the report and grant listed building consent for the works as proposed; and

2.       delegate authority to the Head of Planning Services to:

·       finalise the recommended conditions as set out in the report including such refinements, amendments, additions and/or deletions as the Head of Planning Services considers reasonably necessary; and

·       issue the listed building consent.