DC Casebook: In depth - Apartments' design falls foul of world heritage candidate status

Planning, 15 August 2008

The site lay in a conservation area. The designation recognised the railway's historic importance and the architectural quality of the original buildings, many of which had been converted for other uses. A previous inspector had concluded that the railway buildings were not bleak and austere but had been carefully designed using a variety of materials and detailing. The appeal inspector endorsed his predecessor's views.

The appeal proposal took the form of a wall of development with four main storeys and a lightweight attic storey. The inspector conceded that projecting bays would add interest to the facade, with windows set back to create a sense of solidity similar to the original railway works. However, he decided that the design would not relate well to the surrounding area. In his view, it would consist of a finger of development next to an area of open space and a car park.

While agreeing that some of the detailing was attractive, he considered that the kind of building proposed could be found in any urban location when it should be tailored to the high-quality environment of the conservation area. He concluded that it would not be a beacon for modern architecture. In any case, he felt that a landmark design approach was not justified in this important historic location.

The inspector expressed sympathy with the appellants, recognising their hard work in producing a design that had received support from CABE and English Heritage. But he noted that despite supporting certain aspects of the scheme, the local design review panel had been unable to endorse the development after finding that its design lacked conviction and had insufficient architectural merit.

DCS Number 100-056-398

Inspector David Richards; Hearing.