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Diocese tries again in upgrade of Old Palace
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| DISCUSSIONS: Alan Taylor, English Heritage inspector of historical buildings; the Bishop of Worcester, the Right Rev John Inge; diocesan secretary Robert Higham, and architect Stephen Sedwell (13348502) |
CONTROVERSIAL plans to modernise parts of the Old Palace in Worcester are being re-submitted, after the diocese gained the support of English Heritage.
Worcester City Council's planning committee rejected proposals for the historic building earlier this year, following fierce objections by conservation and heritage groups.
But the Diocese of Worcester said the alterations are necessary and sympathetic and it is hoped the committee will change its mind.
Robert Higham, diocesan secretary, said: "Great care has been taken by the architect in consultations to ensure that the alterations needed for the bishop's offices meet current needs as well as taking the opportunity to continue to conserve this building."
Stephen Sedwell, a specialist conservation architect with ASTAM GBC of Gloucester, has drawn up the plans in liaison with officers of English Heritage, the city council and the cathedral's experts.
Mr Higham said, while some alterations were necessary, they were being kept to a minimum and the opportunity was being taken to remove less satisfactory work from the last century.
He said: "At the same time services to the existing kitchen will be upgraded to current conservation and environmental health standards. This is enabling important conservation work to be undertaken to interior panelling and restore features that have been hidden for many years."
The Old Palace, in Deansway, Worcester, has been a place of ministry, administration and hospitality since the 11th century.
Over the years the building has seen many changes from its original Norman style, with major rebuilding and extensions through the mediaeval and Georgian periods and many adaptations since.
During the past 10 years there has been an ongoing programme of conservation together with adaptations to meet needs for access for disabled people.
Rachel Edwards, spokeswoman for the Diocese, said: "As the Old Palace is a grade one listed building any alterations come within the listed building controls of Worcester City Council.
"Also, because it is within the cathedral precincts, it is necessary to meet the church's own conservation laws, which are administered by the cathedral's fabric advisory committee whose members include specialists in heritage matters. The fabric advisory committee has now approved the plans.
"Detailed consultations have been held with Worcester City Council's planners and conservation officer and plans agreed with English Heritage.
"Applications are being made to the city council for listed building consent with a view to the work being done in the summer."
9:02am Friday 28th March 2008
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