An assessment of the impacts of an unusual Change-of-Use on an industrial GII Listed Building

Applicants proposing alterations and extensions to listed or important local historic buildings, under a change-of-use request, are required to provide information to demonstrate how the proposals would contribute to the building’s conservation, whilst preserving or enhancing its architectural or historic interest.

Applicants proposing alterations and extensions to listed or important local historic buildings, under a change-of-use request, are required to provide information to demonstrate how the proposals would contribute to the building’s conservation, whilst preserving or enhancing its architectural or historic interest. AB Heritage was engaged to assess the impact of a Change of Use to the iconic Harris and Pearson Entrance Building, where the change of use was to create a children’s nursery with outdoor play area.

Largely unchanged, highly significant building

Constructed in 1888 as an office building, with weighbridge, the Harris and Pearson Entrance Building was the main façade and front entrance to the highly successful brickworks site along Brettell Lane. The building is constructed of good quality brick and terracotta materials, produced on-site, providing a testament to the of the brickyard. The building was largely unchanged until 1996, when it was in process of being demolished until a preservation order stopped works and a formal Listing to GII status was conferred. It is now considered to be of High Heritage Significance, derived from its architecture and historic local interest. The site is also close to the Grade II Listed Old Crown, which is also of High Significance.

AB Heritage consultants undertook a Heritage Statement to assess the impact of any proposed change to the Harris and Pearson Building that would be required to enable it to function under its new use, and further assessed the impact to the other sensitive local buildings and features.

The proposed development required no changes to the structure of the building itself, which retains many intact internal period features. It did seek new but removable signage at the gate entrance, and the creation of an outdoor children’s play area, which was proposed to be constructed on top of existing car park tarmac. This outdoor facility was largely out of general sight and importantly was not found to have any direct impact on the nearby Old Crown Inn.

Following professional research and on-site assessment, AB Heritage did not consider any of the changes proposed would impact on the heritage significance of either building.

Long-term preservation and economic viability protected

The continued use of the Harris and Pearson Entrance Building was concluded to be beneficial to the upkeep and future of this heritage asset. The proposed new use of the building would help its long-term preservation and was assessed to be compatible with National and Local policies for the management of the historic environment and cultural heritage resource.

Our client was able to proceed with the change-of use-and create new economic value from an iconic building of importance to the local community.