King’s Street, Ludlow

Project Overview:

The project involved the redevelopment of a Grade II Listed building at 1-2 King Street to create a single commercial unit spanning the ground and first floors. The property, built in 1829, is a classic example of a traditional High Street shop with living quarters above. Previously subdivided into two smaller shops, the building had been vacant for some time, prompting the need for redevelopment to bring it back into use.

Given the building’s listed status, the Local Planning Authority (LPA) required a detailed heritage impact assessment to ensure that the proposed internal alterations would not compromise the special historic and architectural interests of the property.

Heritage Significance:

1-2 King Street is situated in a historically significant street and is valued for its special historic and architectural interests. While the external façade remains an important aspect of its heritage value, the proposed works were confined to the interior, necessitating a focused assessment on the internal spaces.

A site visit conducted by AB Heritage’s consultant revealed that some of the internal fabric had been removed and historic floorplan altered over time to accommodate modern retail and office needs. The remaining heritage features included window architraves, the original staircase, features in the basement and traces of former fireplaces. These elements were carefully documented to assess their significance and guide the redevelopment process.

Proposed Works and Impact:

The redevelopment plans included installing a new staircase, creating a new bathroom, removing modern partition walls, and reconfiguring newer partitions. Crucially, no historic walls were to be removed, ensuring that the remaining historic fabric was preserved. The blocking of doors on the first floor was identified as having minimal impact on the historic floorplan.

The heritage assessment concluded that the proposed internal works would not detract from the building’s heritage significance. The assessment results were compiled into a Heritage Statement, which was submitted as part of the planning application.

Outcome:

The LPA granted permission for the redevelopment, with the condition that a Historic Building Recording (HBR) be undertaken. AB Heritage conducted a comprehensive photographic recording of the building.

Client Benefits:

For the client, the Heritage Statement and subsequent Historic Building Recording provided a clear understanding of the building’s significance. This information was invaluable during the project development and future planning considerations. Additionally, the completed HBR contributes to a broader repository of detailed and accurate information on similar historic buildings in the area.

Conclusion:

This project highlights the importance of thorough heritage assessments in the redevelopment of Listed Buildings by carefully documenting the remaining historic elements and ensuring that the proposed works are sensitive to the building’s heritage. By doing this, AB Heritage helped the client successfully navigate the planning process while also ensuring the ongoing conservation of 1-2 King Street. The project serves as an example of how modern redevelopment can be harmoniously integrated with heritage buildings, ensuring that they remain functional and relevant in today’s urban landscape.