Plans were submitted in May of this year
Permission to convert listed buildings on a historic Coventry street into homes have been refused by planning officers over concerns work will lead to 'irreversible harm'. The buildings in question, 38 - 44 Hill Street, are Grade II listed and in recent years have been used as shops.
But the owners now wish to change the use and convert the buildings, which date back over 200 years, into four dwellings. As the buildings are listed, there is more scrutiny when such applications are made. It is this that has led to the application being refused, with a city council planning officer raising worries over plans for roof lights.
The initial application stated: "This Heritage and Planning Statement is written in support of the Listed Building Consent Application and Planning Application for the Change of Use and Alteration of the former shop units to reinstate the use as 4 residential houses.
"These terraced houses were built in the late 18th century, and contain three storeys, with the second floor build within the roofscape. Prior to our research, it was believed that whilst these terraced houses are largely residential in original purpose, it’s believed that the first floor may have formed workshops, for watch-making, as indicated by the large windows, with the bedroom in the attic floor, and living spaces on the ground floor."
The application goes on to state there is a desperate need for housing in the city. But the plans have been refused.
The planning decision notice states: "The proposed introduction of four roof lights within the rear roof plane of the Grade II listed building group is contrary to Policies DE1 and HE2 of the Coventry Local Plan 2017 and advice contained within the National Planning Policy Framework in that the four roof lights will cause irreversible harm to the character and appearance of the listed building.
"The roof already contains a series of dormers along the front elevation, and an opposing series of roof lights on such a small roof area and will appear crowded and contrived. The rear roof plane is highly visible from the adjoining beer garden, which is within the Spon Street Conservation Area and Gas Street beyond.
"Furthermore, there would need to be a high level of historic fabric removal to necessitate the insertion of the roof lights. In the context of the National Planning Policy Framework great weight should be given to the conservation of a designated heritage asset. Although the harm is considered to be less than substantial, any harm should require clear and convincing justification. In this case there are no public benefits demonstrated that would outweigh the identified harm."
The beer garden overlooking the buildings belongs to popular pub the Gatehouse Tavern. The buildings date back over 200 years.
Historic England describes them as follows: "Late C18 terrace, one of the very few remaining in the City. Red brick, tiled roof with brick cornice.
"Two storeys and attics, six hipped casement dormers. Six casement windows, three light to ground floor under segmental arches, five light to first floor under flat arches. Many glazing bars. Segmental headed doorways. Large square chimneystacks. Forms a group with Nos 1 & 3 Ryley Street."
The applicant is listed as Coventry Church Municipal Charities - which owns Bonds Hospital - the 16th century alms house over the road, and Fords Hospital on Greyfriars Lane. We have approached them for more information.
