Agenda item

First floor rear/side extension to form new archive repository and installation of 3.no. roof cowls on existing roof (York explore Phase II) [Guildhall Ward] [Site Visit]

Members considered a full application for a first floor rear/side extension to form a new archive repository and the installation of three roof cowls on the existing roof (York Explore Phase ll)

Officers advised that a further response had been received from the Authority’s Conservation Officer along with English Heritage. They advised that condition 5 (Large Scale Details) be extended to require further details to be submitted.

Officers briefed the committee on the changes which were proposed. The  Council’s conservation architect showed the committee examples of the proposed materials to be used for the box and the flashing and explained how these would change colour over time. She explained that the applicant’s approach to the scheme was to make the extension different so one is still able to read the existing building.

Representations were received from Mr Daggett, a local resident. He expressed support for the application to provide facilities for a new archive however he expressed dismay at the decision to use a metal clad extension and expressed the view that this would look more integral if the flashing strip was omitted. He also raised concerns about the proposals for the first floor foyer area and oculus which in his opinion would spoil the sequence of spaces by being over cluttered. He asked that the oculus be left as a feature in its own right.

Representations were also received from Mr J Beadnell, the architect, in support of the application. He spoke briefly and advised the committee that there was a lot of support for hosting the archives within the library building including support from English Heritage and the works proposed would make the building look cleaner and nicer. In response to a query from a Member regarding windows, he explained that it was important to avoid having windows in an archive store as these would allow in ultraviolet light. Instead the store would be lit by controllable artificial light and would incorporate controls for temperature and humidity.

Representations were also received from Richard Taylor, the Council’s Archives and Local History Development Manager. He advised Members that York had the best city archive outside London. He explained that one of the basic conservation principles was reversibility and that anything built should be reversible. This box has been designed to is could be removed in future and leaving no trace behind. He explained that when WH Brierley designed the building it was a new building for York and that this extension should clearly be a modern addition. Public consultation had been undertaken during the summer. By decluttering the first floor foyer and occulus, they would improve this space and allow visitors to access electronically  information from the archives.

Members expressed their support for the proposals. They agreed that the right decision had been taken to retain the archives within the city and the priority was to house the archives in the most secure, protected but accessible environment as possible. They acknowledged that this may not always be the most aesthetically pleasing. Members expressed their support for the brass finish for the flashing.

RESOLVED:             That the application be approved subject to the conditions listed in the report and the amended conditions below.

Amended Condition 3

The development hereby authorised shall be constructed in the bronze textured cladding panel system and TECU Brass cladding systems previously submitted and agreed, samples of all remaining external construction materials including the Sarnifil roofing system shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to work on site commencing. The development shall thenceforth be undertaken in strict accordance with the details thereby approved.

Reason:- To safeguard the historic character and integrity of the Listed Building.

Amended Condition 4

Prior to the commencement of the development hereby authorised a sample panel of the approved brass and dark metal cladding systems shall be erected on site for the written approval of the Local Planning Authority to demonstrate the pattern of coursing and associated relationship with the existing building. The development shall thenceforth be implemented in accordance with the details thereby approved.

Reason:- To safeguard the historic character and integrity of the Listed Building and to secure compliance with Policies HE2 and HE3 of the York Development Control Local Plan

Amended Condition 5

Large Scale Details of the items listed below shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of the development and the works shall be undertaken in accordance with the approved details:-

i) The new gate including finish;

ii)The fire escape door;

iii) 1:5 section through the upgraded roof structure to illustrate how the roof lights would be integrated;

iv) The planar glass roof light located below the plug-in link extension;

v) 1:5 section and elevational drawing for the secondary glazing to be incorporated into the window reveals of the children's library;

vi) 1:5 section drawings/details of all junctions and flashing positions between the original building and the "plug in" extension;

vii) 1:20 scale elevation and sectional drawings of the escape staircase including details of the materials and finish of the service ducts and escape staircase area;

viii) 1:5 Section drawings /details of the junction and flashing positions to the service ducts and escape staircase;

ix) The new mechanical ventilation units on the flat roof area serving the Family History Room including any enclosure;

x) The ladder safety attachment to the first floor extension;

xi) The new louvred panelled doors to the plant room, new gate and roof covering to the cycle parking including details of all materials and finishes;

xii) The roof fall arrest system;

xiii) The external works to facilitate disabled access to the rear entrance.

Reason: So that the Local Planning Authority may be satisfied with these details.

REASON:                  The proposal, subject to the conditions listed in the report and the amended conditions above, would not cause undue harm to interests of acknowledged importance, with particular reference to impact upon the character and appearance of the Historic Core Conservation Area, impact upon the setting of the Kings Manor , a Grade I Listed Building and impact upon the setting of the City Walls, a Scheduled Ancient Monument. As such the proposal complies with Policies HE2, HE3 and HE4 of the City of York Development Control Local Plan.