The appellant explained that when the brewery was operational, a water tank at the top of the tower element of the building would gravity feed water needed for the brewing process. The tank had been removed as part of the permitted works to convert the listed building into dwellings. The appellant now sought to remove a part of the roof to create a terrace, with the balustrade replicating the external appearance of the original water tank.
The inspector was not convinced of the validity of reintroducing a false element of its former industrial appearance back into the listed building, with the addition of a guard rail also appearing out of place. With the building currently in a good condition and in optimum use, the inspector concluded any public benefits there might be were insufficient to outweigh the harm caused. He also decided the proposed works on a prominent building would harm the conservation area.
Inspector: Jonathan Hockley; Written representations
