Permission has been granted for change of use and alteration to form a large flat at 95 Broughton Street in the Category B-listed former Kingdom Hall on the first floor (Ref. 12/03050/LBC; Issue 208).
The property will boast 3 double-bedrooms, a vestibule, lounge and dining hall, 2 bathrooms (one with two sinks), and an ensuite sauna, spa and pool. Designed by Morgan McDonnell Architecture Ltd, it is perhaps intended for a family of Scandinavian hippopotamuses.
The plans involve removing the old stage, cupboards, loos and storage, but retaining the original cast-iron pillars. New partitions will be installed away from the windows.
A Council report states that the Kingdom Hall's 'main room is architecturally plain and there are no historic features'. Spurtle demurs. Sometimes, in this age of multiplying luxuries, plasma screens, ubiquitous granite worktops, and bathroom appliances squirting water in ways and places God never intended, the absence of features is itself an historic feature.
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Controversial plans for a new office building at 14–16 Union Street have been revised following criticism by heritage buffs (12/02591/FUL).
Among many amendments, all the windows have been reproportioned, the doorway detail has been changed, and dormers altered.
It is not yet clear whether these tweaks will satisfy either the Council, who would prefer a smaller and more modern design, or architectural purists, who would prefer almost anything to 'pastiche'.
To those who enjoy a good stushie, we recommend reading the correspondence which followed Breaking news (10.8.12).
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Planning permision is sought to convert a modern office at 81 East London Street into two flats (Ref. 12/03721/FUL).
The plans entail changing the door and window on the front elevation back to their original positions.
A firm of financial advisers currently occupies the property.
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Change of use consent is sought for a house in multiple occupation at 18 Barony Street (Ref. 12/03428/FUL). The applicant wants to use it instead as a 6-bedroom guesthouse.