Appeal allowed for retention of modern works to a Listed Building in Marlborough, Wiltshire.
 
The homeowners approached MDP after received a refusal for retrospective planning permission and listed building consent to install an electric sliding gate across the driveway, and to replace a wooden fence along the front of the property with a post and wire fence around part of the garden overlooking the junction of Bath Road.
 
The reason for refusal advised that, in the opinion of the LPA, the retention of the close boarded fence and gate detracted from the character of this former lodge building and its setting, diminishing its historic significance, giving rise to harm. MDP took a different view to the Council and, through the submission of an appeal to the Inspectorate (an independent body able to countermand the Councils decisions and grant permissions) persuaded the Inspector that the works did not harm what was significant about the historic building (and why it became listed in the first place) and that the additions were practical and improved amenity. On a practical level the client installed the gates also provide security to the courtyard frontage as property been stolen from the driveway, it also provided more privacy and safety for our client’s young children and dog with the busy A4 running alongside the frontage.
 
After four months of waiting, the appeal was allowed in May 2024 and our client is delighted that the costly work doesn’t need to be removed and can remain in place with the matter now fully dealt with. No conditions were imposed by the Inspector. The gate now provides protection from the noise of the A4, as well as all the security gains hope for when installing it.
 
If you have had any issues with your Listed Building, perhaps having installed or changed something which you were unaware required consent then please get in touch with MDP.
 
Image of Marlborough High Street sourced from Google search.