A planning application for new windows, planters and awnings that had already been put in at a Hove pub have been refused on appeal.
The Golden Lion Group applied for retrospective planning permission and listed building consent for the changes at the grade II listed Tapestry, in Victoria Grove, Hove, which fronts Second Avenue.
The company also sought permission for the replacement of the existing white tiles with the new green ones and the painting of a fascia board to match.
And it wanted backing for the sash windows that were fitted in place of the old bi-fold doors, with the widows said to be more in keeping with the Avenues Conservation Area.
The business is owned by the Day family – David, 77, Annette, 74, Leo, 45, and 43-year-old Leanne – and has previously been known as Libation, Crafty Chooks and the Tin Drum.
Brighton and Hove City Council turned down the application in September last year.
The council said: “The awning and planters have eroded the historic significance of the building and added inappropriate architectural features, creating a much more permanent and harmful intervention into the street-scape than was previously the case, with a style and form that is not in keeping with the heritage features of the listed building.
“The works do not preserve or enhance the character of the listed building or conservation area.”
The Golden Lion Group submitted appeal documents prepared by its agent, Lewis and Co Planning, which said that the changes highlighted the change in style from the late-night bar, Libation, to Tapestry, which would be more of a traditional pub.
The appeal statement said: “The works that have been carried out provide for an attractive sitting out area for customers and have also had some physical benefit to the main listed building, effectively the swapping of bi-fold doors for timber sliding sash windows.
“Overall, the works carried out have resulted in a building that is far more attractive within the surrounding street scene than the relatively stark frontage that was previously in situ.”
The planning inspector dismissed the appeal after visiting the site in September and the council published the outcome of the appeal in a report to the Planning Committee last week.
The planning inspector said: “Despite the modest enhancement that I have identified in respect to the windows, I find that, overall, the appeal scheme fails to preserve the special interest of the listed building and the character and appearance of the conservation area as a whole.
“Given the nature and extent of the development and works, I find the harm to the significance of the listed building and (the conservation area) to be ‘less than substantial’ and at the lower end of the scale.”
Retrospective planing applications especially for a listed building are never a good idea.
Surely the owners knew that?
Could have been easily involved if they discussed their plans with the planning department way before work started. Yes there is a fee for that but it would have saved them a lot of money in the long run.
I wish the council would look after the listed structures it is in charge of.
I think you will find that this is private property. Planning permission was refused, the appeal rejected yet the owner decided to carry out the works in anticipation of securing permission. Can’t see what else the Council can do.
They are obviously doing a useless job if they can’t even travel back in time to stop this!!!