®Planning appeal decision
23 George Street, St Albans, AL3 4ES
change of use of part of East Wing from retail to residential
- Authority
- St Albans City Council
- Appeal type
- minor · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- residential · Change of use
- Inspector
- O'Brien L
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- Whether the proposals would preserve the listed building or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses
What decided it
The absence of sufficient detail, accurate drawings and specifications in the application meant the Inspector could not robustly assess whether the proposals would preserve the listed building and its special interest, triggering a precautionary approach given the Grade II designation and statutory duties under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
Although the Council could not demonstrate a five-year housing land supply (triggering paragraph 11(d) of the Framework), the protection of designated heritage assets under footnote 7 of the Framework provided a strong reason for refusal that outweighed any housing benefit
Framework references: 11, 8
Plan policies cited: Policy 86 of the St Albans District Local Plan Review 1994
The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.