Planning Applications - Hyndburn Borough Council

While the form of the church has already been significantly damaged it is important to safeguard as
far as possible the external appearance of the church both in terms of the listed building itself and in
the context of the surrounding conservation area. The form, design and bulk of the existing
building and the prominent church spire are all important elements in the conservation area.
Although the applicant advises that surveys show the spire to be secure it would be hard to
envisage a use other than residential which could support the maintenance of such a structure in the
long term. Notwithstanding the above it is clear that the applicant and his agents have endeavoured
to respond favourably to the initial comments of the Victorian Society and indeed have altered the
scheme significantly to remove two thirds of all roof lights initially proposed and to include a full
height entrance lobby which would allow the ongoing full height viewing of the stained glass
window fronting Cannon Street and the installation of one of the pews.
Overall my own assessment would recommend that this proposal be given favourable
consideration. At the present time I have concerns about a number of important buildings with the
Acc Town Centre Conservation Area. I am particularly mindful of recent thefts of building
materials from the Conservative Club, which has been vacant for many years and is itself
deteriorating. A future viable use for that building will not be easy to achieve. There has also been
unauthorised access at the former Lar-de-dars nightclub, which has again been vacant for some
time and is not in good condition. The former Opium Club on Willow Street has been seriously fire
damaged and is presently disused. In these circumstances, although I recognize that this current
scheme for the Baptist Church is not the most sympathetic approach to the listed building I would
suggest that it is at least a deliverable and pragmatic approach to finding a sustainable permanent
use for a difficult location which should be a priority. I consider that it is vital to see investment
into these important buildings in the conservation area if the area is not to deteriorate.
Recommendation
Approve subject to the following conditions:
Condition(s) and Reason(s)
1 The development must be begun not later than the expiration of three years beginning with the
date of this permission.
Reason: Required to be imposed pursuant to Section 91 (as amended) of the Town and Country
Planning Act 1990.
2 The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out otherwise than in strict accordance
with the submitted details.
Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and to define the permission.
3 Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved details of the cross-sections of
the windows frames, conservation roof lights and rainwater goods shall be submitted to and
approved in writing by the local planning authority. The development shall be constructed in
accordance with the approved details to the satisfaction of the local planning authority.
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