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(1) CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING BUILDING FACING BRIDGE STREET FROM MOST RECENT AUTHORISED USE AS A RESTAURANT ON LOWER GROUND FLOOR AND GROUND FLOOR WITH APARTMENT OVER ON FIRST FLOOR AND SECOND FLOOR (ROOF SPACE) TO USE AS COMMUNITY FACILITY INCORPORATING STAFF FACILITIES, CO-WORKING AREA AND ANCILLARY SERVICES TO SAME, OFFICE ACCOMMODATION INCLUDING OFFICE SPACE VISITABLE BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, STORAGE SPACE AND ALL ANCILLARY WORKS (2) CONSTRUCTION OF TWO STOREY BUILDING FACING SHORE ROAD TO PROVIDE EXHIBITION SPACE ON GROUND FLOOR AND MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM ON FIRST FLOOR (3) ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS INCLUDING PLATFORM LIFT, STEPS AND LANDSCAPING BETWEEN THE TWO BUILDINGS
Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommended a grant of permission as the development represents the regeneration and preservation of a 'Protected Structure' at risk, aligns with the prioritisation of renewal in Ramelton as a Layer 2B settlement, and would not negatively impact the character, setting, or residential amenity of the area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development constitutes a sensitive revitalisation of a Protected Structure that is currently 'at risk,' which is consistent with the core strategy for heritage-led regeneration in Ramelton.
- The construction of the two-storey building on Shore Road effectively reinstates a historic building line and provides a suitable street frontage that respects the scale and context of neighboring properties without obscuring the primary view of the Protected Structure.
- Potential impacts on neighboring residential amenities, specifically regarding overlooking from the platform lift and external stairwell, can be satisfactorily mitigated through planning conditions requiring screening and enclosure.