Government Gives Listed Building Consent To Office Plans

Published by webmaster for Salisbury District Council in Communities

Salisbury District Council’s plans for new centralised offices at Bourne Hill have been given Listed Building consent from the Secretary of State, Ruth Kelly.

It has also been announced that the Secretary of State will not be calling-in the planning application and that the final decision will rest with the local planning authority.

The Secretary of State’s decision follows the conditional planning approval, which was given by the council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee back in May.

Last May’s planning approval was on the condition that Listed Building consent was granted by the government and that further consultation takes place on issues surrounding the College Street car park and access to the offices.

Salisbury District Council Leader, Cllr Richard Britton, said: “I am absolutely delighted by this news as it means we are a step closer to developing desperately needed new offices for the council and its residents.
“We believe our plans are in the best interest of the whole district. They will vastly improve the service we offer customers, it will reduce the council’s operating costs by at least £580,000 each year and it will improve a much-loved historical building which will remain in public ownership.”

The letter from the Secretary of State said the proposals would preserve the character of the Conservation Area and preserve the listed building, its setting and features of special architectural and historical interest.

The council’s proposals include the development of a modern, two to three storey glazed office accommodation to run at the back of the current Grade II* listed Council House. This new office accommodation would include a one-stop-shop for all customer enquiries.

They would also include the much-needed extensive restoration of the listed Council House, which will see original rooms opened to the public for the first time in many years. There will also be a linear public garden and the planting of 48 semi-mature trees to enhance the Bourne Hill parkland.

Cllr Don Culver, portfolio holder for Resources, said: “We appreciate that there has been a lot of local concern about this project.
“But we sincerely believe that these plans will enhance the area and improve it for the public to use and enjoy.”

Planning permission will be granted when the pre-conditions, Memorandum of Understanding (provides guidelines on what the landowner will agree to do) and consultation scheme on the College Street car park has been completed and have either been met or undertaken, in accordance with the resolution of the Planning and Regulatory Panel. 

The next stage would be for the council to seek tenders for the demolition and construction of the new offices and refurbishment of the Council House.

Those tender prices will be brought back to a meeting of the Full Council in December to seek permission to continue with the project.

ENDS
Press release issued 24th July 2006