2360117
Retention of: 1. The removal of original roof slates, reinforcement of existing timber roof structure to the front and back of the main pitched roof, installation of new roofing felt, timber battens and fibre cement roof tiles, 2. Removal of masonry chimney on main pitched roof and installation of new timber rafters and felt in this area, 3. Removal of original cast iron gutters, downpipes, timber fascia and soffit and replacement with uPVC gutters, facia, soffit, down pipes, 4. Internal alterations and refurbishments, including; a. the installation of new ground floor bathroom sanitaryware, floor and wall tiling, b. removal of wallpaper in 6 no. first floor rooms, and c. partial removal of original skirting and coving in 3 no. ground floor rooms and installation of drylining in these areas, as indicated on drawing 2964-2-102. The property is a protected structure Reference LHS015-032
Core Refusal Reason
The retention of works involving inappropriate materials and the removal of original features is deemed to have an undue negative impact on the historical character and integrity of a Protected Structure and its setting within an Architectural Conservation Area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The replacement of original roof slates and cast iron rainwater goods with unsympathetic modern materials (fibre cement and uPVC) significantly erodes the architectural character and vernacular authenticity of the Protected Structure.
- The unauthorized removal of a large masonry chimney constitutes the loss of a key historical feature, negatively affecting the building's profile and its contribution to the Castlebellingham Architectural Conservation Area.
- The development is contrary to Louth County Development Plan policies BHC 20 and BHC 31, as it fails to protect built heritage and would establish a detrimental precedent for future inappropriate design responses in the locality.