PLANS have been submitted to revamp Fordingbridge Town Hall.

Internal and external alterations are proposed for the Grade II listed building on High Street in the application which has been submitted to New Forest District Council by Fordingbridge Town Council.

An application has also been submitted for listed building consent.

The proposals include the removal of the existing kitchen from the front of the building which will be relocated, the re-instatement of a currently blocked-up doorway to allow access from the rear of the property, and the installation of a lift.

The space on the ground and first floor will be reconfigured as part of the plans.

The changes to the building would enable town council and tourist information centre staff to be under one roof.

Currently, the tourist information staff are based in Kings Yard.

Fordingbridge mayor, Councillor Edward Hale said:“Whilst the proposal results in the loss of some space in the main hall, it will allow the Information Office to relocate to the Town Hall allowing all office staff to operate from one site.”

He added that the proposals also provide access to land to the rear of the Town Hall, lift access to the first floor council chamber and a compliant disabled toilet.

“The application is likely to be discussed at a meeting of the Town Council’s planning committee on 18th August.”

The town council sought pre-application advice from the local planning authority over the proposals, which a previous meeting of the town council was told had sparked concern from a conservation officer over the “cumulative effect” of the proposed work and the change to the character of the building.

A heritage assessment was carried out as part of the application process. The heritage statement said the proposals were“considered wholly beneficial, ensuring the better practical functioning of internal space across ground and first floors, whilst in turn ensuring its long-term future use and thus continuing preservation.”

The report also stated that “all works are predominantly focused upon internal aspects of the structure, except where reinstating historic openings” and therefore “any exterior change is limited, ensuring that the building continues to contribute toward the wider character and appearance of the conservation area.”

A planning statement said the plans have been “modified in light of the advice received at the time” and “careful consideration” has been given to the comments and suggestions from the conservation officer. It added “whilst those that can be met have been, there are one or two that cannot be achieved due to inherent operational needs of the town council”.

To view or comment on the application visit: newforest.gov.uk (application ref 21/10980 and 21/10981).

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