Agenda item

Proposal: Low pressure cleaning of statues excluding plinth.

Location: Guildhall Arts Centre, St Peter's Hill, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6PY

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director for Planning & Growth to APPROVE listed building consent subject to conditions

The meeting adjourned at 11.06 and resumed at 11.19.

Prior to the consideration of application S26/0363, Councillor Charmaine Morgan declared that she was a member of the Grantham Civic Society, however, approached the application with an open mind.

Proposal: Low pressure cleaning of statues excluding plinth

Location: Guildhall Arts Centre, St Peter's Hill, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6PY

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director for Planning & Growth to APPROVE listed building consent subject to conditions

There were no public speakers.

Together with:

·       Provisions within South Kesteven Local Plan 2011-2016, Design Guidelines for Rutland and South Kesteven Supplementary Planning Document and National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

·       Comments received from Grantham Town Council.

During questions to officers and debate, Members commented on the following:

-       It was queried whether the application could have been dealt with under delegated powers. It was confirmed that the application was brought to committee for transparency given that SKDC were the applicant.

-       Concern was noted by a member whether the work would cause oxidisation. This was confirmed not to be the case as patina would be reapplied during the works to prevent oxidisation.

-       It was noted that the plinth did not require cleaning.

-       The Chairman noted that Grantham Civic Society had expressed the desire for a specialist metal conservator to be used. It was agreed that Officers would consult with Grantham Civic Society were the application approved and a note would be added to the decision notice to this effect.

-       If any damages to the statues were identified during the works then it was noted that SKDC would have a responsibility to rectify the issue, given the legal duty derived from the statues being listed assets. It was also noted that should further works be required these would likely require a further planning application.

Final decision

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director for Planning & Growth to APPROVE listed building consent subject to conditions:

Time Limit for Commencement

1        The works hereby consented shall be commenced before the expiration of three years from the date of this consent.

Reason: In order to ensure that the works are commenced in a timely manner, as set out in Sections 18 and 74 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (as amended).

Approved Plans

2        The works hereby consented shall be carried out in accordance with the following list

of approved plans and reports:

i)        Location Plan received 02 March 2026

ii)        Design and Access Statement received 02 March 2026

Unless otherwise required by another condition of this permission.

Reason: To define the permission and for the avoidance of doubt.

Prior to Commencement

3        Prior to any works being undertaken, a detailed methodology for the proposed cleaning shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To ensure that appropriate methods are utilised in treating the historic fabric in accordance with Policy EN6 and DE1 of the adopted South Kesteven Local Plan.

4        The works proposed shall have been completed in accordance with the approved methodology.

Reason: To ensure the satisfactory preservation of this listed building and in accordance with Policy EN6 of the adopted South Kesteven Local Plan.

Advisory note: With regard to Condition 3 prior to works being undertaken the methodology would be undertaken in consultation with Grantham Civic Society.

The meeting at adjourned at 11.36 and resumed at 13.07.