Planning Application Details

The proposed works are unacceptable for the following reasons; i) the re-casing of defective brickwork under arches and crack stitching of the general maintenance and repairs includes the drilling of holes which would be damaging to the fabric and appearance of the structure and no mitigation has been provided, ii) the filling in of the narrow end of voids in concrete and the tanking of the floor to internal voids as part of the internal alterations would introduce large, rigid, heavy, and impervious blocks into these areas of the structures above the weakest points and there is insufficient justification to show that other alternative solutions have been adequately considered and discounted. iii) there are no details of the new openings proposed between the central drainage tunnels and the side chambers within the structure, the details submitted are inadequate to assess the impact fully on the special interest and fabric of the building iv) the proposed system of new gantries, walkway and access doors to provide access for maintenance crews is intrusive into both the structure itself, and visually, filling the void between the spans with walkways and gantries between every pier and staircases linking the two. The impact upon the special interest and distinct nature of the dual spans would cause significant harm, well over and above the real or perceived benefits of improved maintenance access. There is insufficient justification to show that other alternative solutions have been adequately considered and discounted. As such the proposed works would cause significant harm to the fabric, special interest, appearance and setting of this Grade II* listed building contrary to saved Policies CON3 and CON5 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan, Policy CSEN3 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Core Strategy, the Practice Guide to PPS5 and the Policies guidance in the NPPF.