Planning Application for a new two-storey rear extension receives approval the Ironbridge Unesco World Heritage Site.

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Introduction

 

Following an initial planning appraisal with the client En-Plan formulated and submitted a planning application to Telford & Wrekin Council for a two-storey rear house extension in the Ironbridge Gorge Unesco World Heritage Site.  The applicant also required an off road parking space and an electric vehicle charging point.  The plannning criteria for such a development in such a sensitive location is extremely high.  To underdtand why this is the case it is useful to understand the site and its history.

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History of Ironbridge

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Ironbridge is a settlement on the River Severn in Shropshire, England. It derives its name from the famous Iron Bridge that spans the river, a structure that holds significant historical importance. The area around Ironbridge has evidence of human activity dating back to Roman times. However, it started to gain prominence during the Industrial Revolution. The actual Iron Bridge, from which the town takes its name, was completed in 1779. It was the world's first major bridge made of cast iron. Abraham Darby III, part of the famous Darby family of ironmasters, commissioned its construction. The design was by Thomas Farnolls Pritchard, an architect, and the bridge showcased the capabilities of iron as a building material. Prior to this, bridges were commonly made from stone, wood, or brick. The Iron Bridge demonstrated a revolutionary use of the material and symbolized the technological advancements of the Industrial Revolution. The wider Ironbridge Gorge area was a major center of the early Industrial Revolution. The presence of coal, iron ore, limestone, and clay made it an ideal location for various industries. The Darby family, in particular, played a pivotal role in pioneering new techniques in iron production. In 1986, the Ironbridge Gorge was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its unique contribution to the birth of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, which had a profound influence on the world. Nowadays, Ironbridge is often described as the "Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution." It has become a major tourist destination, attracting visitors to its museums, historical sites, and, of course, the iconic bridge itself. The Ironbridge Gorge Museums are a collection of museums that celebrate the history of the area, including the Blists Hill Victorian Town, the Coalport China Museum, and the Museum of The Gorge. Over time, the Iron Bridge underwent several restoration projects to preserve its structure and historical significance. This includes addressing issues related to aging, environmental factors, and the wear and tear from centuries of use.

 

The history of Ironbridge is a testament to the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of the early Industrial Revolution in Britain, and it serves as a tangible reminder of the advancements that laid the foundations for modern industrial society.

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Existing Environment

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Today, the site is a living, working community with a population of approximately 4000 people as well as a world renowned place to visit. It is also a historic landscape that is interpreted and made accessible through the work of a number of organisations, in particular, the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust (established in 1967 to preserve and interpret the remains of the Industrial Revolution within the Ironbridge Gorge) and the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust (established in 1991 to manage the woodland, grassland and associated historic structures in the Gorge).​

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Protection and management requirements

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The UK Government protects World Heritage properties in England in two ways. Firstly, individual  buildings, monuments, gardens and landscapes are designated under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and the 1979 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act and secondly, through the UK Spatial Planning System under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Acts. The property lies predominantly in the boundary of Telford & Wrekin Council with a small south-east portion within the Shropshire Council boundary. The entire site is a designated Conservation Area and there are over 375 listed buildings of which two are Grade 1 and eighteen are Grade 2*. In addition, there are 7 Scheduled Ancient Monuments. There are two Sites of Special Scientific Interest within the World Heritage property.

Added control over changes to the property is achieved through an Article 4 (2) Directive for the Conservation Area, which withdraws permitted rights for certain development. Additional controls under a wider Article 4(2) Directive will be implemented in 2013 as an improved management tool to prevent damaging incremental change.

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There is also a need to promote wider understanding of the scope and extent of the property and its inter-related attributes. A visitor and interpretation centre enables visitors to understand the geographical and geological context to the property and visitors are encouraged to visit the various museums and villages and to walk along the river and the slopes of the Gorge. Additional visitor facilities include upgrading visitor accommodation and a Park and Ride facility. This complements the comprehensive high quality interpretation and education service provided by the ten Ironbridge Museums and the Ironbridge Institute.

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The Planning Appplication Process and Further Assistance

 

The approved application added an improved kitchen at ground floor with a new bedroom above.  The application also gained permission for off road parking for the property complete with charging point for electric vehicles.  This was extremely important to the client who was keen to make the scheme more sustainable and do whatever was in their owner to help the environment.

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Following on from the planning approval En-Plan then obtained Building Regulations approval for the technical detail for the build which the  informed the tendering and construction phase.  As of September 2021 the project has been completed and the owner is extremely happy with the finished scheme.

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Following on from the above as of March 2022 En-Plan have also secured planning permission for a detached workshop and garage at the property.  We are currently in the process of sorting out the technical build detail for this in order that the owners can secure accurate quotes for the schedule of works. If you would like to see more examples of Garages, Annexes and Outbuildings pleae click the link.

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Further Information

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If you would like to find out more about how our Planning Consultancy and Architectural Design Services can work in perfect sync to achieve a successful outcome in the planning system please contact us and we will be only too happy to talk through any questions or development proposals you may have.

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