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DETAIL
Our committee viewed the
plans for this proposal at our meeting last night and have asked
to make the following observations:
1) The committee were very much in favour of this proposal and
see it as an important development of a central building in the
town.
2) The historic nature of the building and it's key position in
the street scene demand the highest levels of refurbishment
whilst respecting existing finishes and materials, this is
applicable to both the refurbishment of the existing elements
and the addition of the new infill roof area.
3) the frontages to both Hitchin Street and Church Street, must
reflect the surrounding area and be kept within the context of
the "Town Centre Enhancement" vision, choice of door design,
window treatment, signage, lighting and colour are to very
carefully considered as they are key elements in the external
appearance of the building.
4) The internal modifications must again reflect the importance
of the building and the historic nature of the structure and as
many existing elements should be retained and form part of the
design as is practicable. We appreciate that this building has
been subject to many varying grades of refurbishment over the
years and many of the original features are now lost.
5) This is a very well established building in the Baldock
Street Scene and has in the past been many things, including an
hotel and a restaurant, so the application is supported by the
Baldock Society Committee as we are very keen to see the
building put back to full use within the town. It will provide
high quality hotel space, which we hope will be in demand when
the town centre regeneration starts and visitors again want to
come back to Baldock. It will also provide an alternative dining
experience which will be a welcome addition and alternative to
the many good quality establishments that already exist. As
Baldock is now recognised as a centre for social activities, as
well as commercial and limited retail offerings, this will fit
within the aspirations of the Town Centre Enhancements, the
Development Policy and Core Strategy documents under
consideration at the moment.
Thank you for considering our views on this application.
Chairman
Baldock Society
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