3 minute read
Ellesmere Warehouse Update
Regular readers will recall our interest in the state of the historic warehouse at Ellesmere and we are grateful to Branch Heritage & Planning Officer Peter Brown for the update on the current situation.
The application for Listed Building Consent (22/01879/LBC) with regard to alterations to the warehouse was approved (with conditions) on 22 March 2023, some eleven months after the application was made.
However, the application for planning permission (22/01547/FUL) for the erection of 58 retirement apartments, 8 dwellings, conversion and change of use of warehouse building to use class E(b) cafes/restaurants, etc was refused on 20 March 2023. The only grounds given for refusal were: 'It is considered that the applicant has not adequately demonstrated that the proposed level of parking is proportionate for the development proposed and that it will not result in indiscriminate on street parking to the detriment of other highway users and the amenities of other residential occupiers in the area. '
Thus we have what seems to me anomalous: planning permission refused for the use of the warehouse as a catering outlet, but permission given for the way in which it is converted for that purpose. On the other hand I can't argue with the reason for refusal, as specifically in the context of the warehouse's alternative use, I always thought that the car parking was inadequate. (I took the view that car parking for the apartments was not an issue with which the IWA should be concerned.)
What will happen now is a matter for speculation. As the size & location of retirement accommodation appears implicitly to have been approved in principle, I'd expect another application with more car parking and the loss of a few of the houses. That is unless the project is already so marginal financially that the developer abandons it. The money to be made on the retirement accommodation would of course be essential for the restoration of the warehouse.
I'd expect the retirement accommodation to be virtually finished before anything is done about the warehouse. They would want to know that the project was financially successful before doing the part on which there were few financial returns. (To be really pessimistic, I fear that it may even then be difficult to get action on the warehouse.) Another six months for the planning processes? Then eighteen months for construction? That would take us to the summer of 2025. Incidentally, works in accord with the Listed Buildings Consent have to be started within three year of the approval date.
I had been exploring the possibility of trying to get the building on the official Heritage at Risk Register. Regrettably this doesn't seem possible as (to quote Historic England's website): 'Due to the development of the Register and lack of resources Grade II secular buildings outside Greater London aren't currently eligible for inclusion on the Register.' In any case, I doubt whether a property for which there was a current Listed Buildings Consent would be accepted.
Peter Brown
Branch Heritage & Planning Officer
Norbury Canal Festival
29 April 1 May 2023
If I had to choose one word to describe this year ' s Norbury Festival it would be "wet" as it was... At times, the towpath and the car park did resemble a "Tough Mudder" challenge.
But if I were to choose some more words to describe the festival, they would include "busy", "friendly" and "fun".
Despite the weather, visitors came out in force determined to have a good time. Some might have slightly regretted selecting sandals as their footwear of choice for the visit but most were well prepared.
Our branch stand received plenty of visitors. The large waterways map on the rear wall of the stand is always a good talking point and helps us to explain how the IWA is different to the various navigation authorities and our role in protecting our waterways.
We did get some blue sky as can be seen in the photo to the left and the towpath was starting to dry out quite nicely by the end.
We were pleased to get to meet one of our favourite YouTubers (https://www.youtube.com/ @TheNarrowboatPirate)
In fact if you look in the background about 1:30 into her video about the festival you can even see me in my hiviz vest waiting for her to stop filming! And there is another short video of the festival by Alan Wilding at https://youtu.be/PfQuv7mX9p4
Attending the festival by boat is a great experience with the Boaters Meal at the start and another gettogether at the end for those still standing. We even received a certificate for "Smiling and Surviving 2023"!
It was a great start to our summer cruise and we are looking forward to next year.
Andrew Smith
Gnosall Canal Festival (CFest) 1416 July 2023
Unfortunately, we are unable to have a branch presence at the festival this year. However it is still well worth a visit. Keep up to date with progress on the website. www.gnosallcanalfestival.co.uk
As we go to press, there are nearly 20 trade boats listed on the website along with 11 historical boats. There will also be live music, food and drink.
IWA Text to Give
Donating to IWA is easier than ever with the launch of our new Text to Give service!
People wishing to donate can simply text IWA to 70085 to donate £5. Other amounts can be donated e.g. texting IWA10 will donate £10. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.
We didn't have any takers at the Norbury Festival but will continue to publicise the service at future events as sometimes text messages work in areas with patchy internet coverage (like canals!)
