The client sought initial advice from GSP regarding the change of use of a C18 Grade II listed building from a single residential dwelling to offices, which later resulted in further instructions relating to a full, formal application to the Council. The subject building was also located adjacent to a church and a prominent feature in a Conservation Area as well as a town centre.

In addition to the change of use, the application for listed building consent and planning permission also sought to secure a number of primarily internal alterations that were informed by a fire strategy. These included replacing the roof hatch with an Automatic Opening Vent connected to the fire alarm system; the replacement of a kitchen door with a suitable fire-resistant door; the replacement of a partition door in ground floor hallway with a suitable fire resistant door; the addition of fire-resistant pyro glass to be fitted over stained glass windows above a partition door in the hallway; new fire-resistant doors to be installed in basement openings and emergency lighting to be provided on escape routes.

The applications were supported by Council officers and both planning permission and listed building consent were duly issued in less than 2 months from the date of the submission.