I am writing on behalf of Calton Community Council (CCC) regarding the linked applications 26/02011/FUL and 26/02010/LBA at 22 Turnbull Street, Glasgow, for replacement cladding and decking, associated fire-stopping and related works to the inner courtyard.
CCC has reviewed the available application material and circulated the applications to members for comment. No concerns or objections were raised. Our understanding is that the applications have been brought forward by the collective proprietors to address deficiencies identified in the existing courtyard external wall and balcony construction and to secure the safe, continued use of the occupied residential building.
We recognise the importance of the building as the Category B listed former Tent Hall and its location within the Central Conservation Area. We have therefore considered not only the need for the remediation works, but also the effect of the proposed intervention on the building’s special architectural and historic interest.
The submitted Design and Access Statement explains that the works are confined to the internal courtyard elevations, balconies and walkways. The principal ashlar elevations to Turnbull Street and Steel Street, the roof, footprint and retained historic hall structure are unaffected. It also explains that the fabric proposed for replacement was introduced during the early-2000s residential conversion, after the building was listed in 1979, and is not identified as part of the building’s special interest.
Against that background, CCC considers the proposals to be a proportionate response to an evidenced fire-safety need. The replacement of the cladding and decking, together with associated fire-stopping and protection measures, should improve the safety and durability of the residential conversion while avoiding unnecessary intervention in the historic street elevations and significant fabric.
In reaching this view, we have had regard to the statutory development plan, comprising National Planning Framework 4 and Glasgow’s adopted City Development Plan. In particular, we consider the proposal against NPF4 Policy 7, CDP1, CDP9 and Supplementary Guidance SG9. The approach appears consistent with the relevant emphasis on high-quality place-making, the protection of historic assets and sensitive intervention which safeguards the character and special interest of listed buildings.
We are also aware of the Council’s emerging City Development Plan 2. While the adopted plan remains the operative local development plan, the direction of the proposed plan reinforces the importance of retaining Glasgow’s historic environment, supporting the continued beneficial use of existing buildings and carrying out necessary works in a manner which respects their character. Nothing in these applications appears to conflict with that direction.
CCC has also considered the duties applying to listed building decisions under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997. On the information submitted, the works appear capable of preserving the building’s special interest because they are concentrated on later courtyard fabric and leave the historically significant elevations and structure undisturbed. Any approval should, of course, secure the precise materials, colours, profiles, junctions, fire-stopping details and finishes shown in the approved documents, with any material departure referred back to Planning Services before implementation.
The possible disadvantages are limited. There may be short-term disturbance during the works, and careful workmanship will be important where new construction meets retained fabric. Those matters can be dealt with through the approved details, normal construction management and the separate building standards process. They do not, in our view, outweigh the clear safety, maintenance and heritage benefits of carrying out the remediation as one properly coordinated scheme.
Calton Community Council therefore supports applications 26/02011/FUL and 26/02010/LBA in full. We wish the proprietors well and hope that the Council can determine the applications promptly so that the necessary remediation can proceed without avoidable delay.