Urgent plan to stabilise historic Shrewsbury town centre building
Work is urgently needed to stabilise part of one of Shrewsbury's historic buildings, councillors have heard.
Members of Shropshire Council's Northern Planning Committee heard that an application has been made to fit a temporary timber frame over damaged infill panels to stabilise a section of the wall of Rowley's House in Barker Street.
Rowley's House, along with the neighbouring Rowley's Mansion, is a prominent building built in the late 16th Century/early 17th Century, and listed as of considerable historic and architectural significance.
Although significant repair work was carried out in 1932 more is now needed on the imposing timer-framed building.
Members of the committee, which meets on Tuesday, December 6, have been informed in the report that the proposed work would enable a more detailed investigation of the repairs needed to the Grade II listed building to be carried out.
Case officer Karen Rolfe has recommended that permission should be given subject to certain conditions.
Historic England has raised no objection but has highlighted the importance of preservation of the buildings.
Officials have said that it is realised that the deterioration of the building is more extensive than first realised and that the current application proposes temporary stabilisation.
They have said that this will enable a more extensive programme of repair to be developed.
However, they have urged that more permanent repairs should be carried out as "a matter of priority".
Morris Property has shelved plans to build an 83-bed Travelodge with retail outlets on Barker Street car park, right next to the Grade II-listed Rowley’s House and Mansion.
The application received a backlash, with objectors branding it a “monstrosity” and an “abomination”.
The developer withdrew the planning application and has gone back to the drawing board to work on a revised proposal.
Shrewsbury Civic Society has welcomed the move, and asked to be consulted so there isn’t a “hotchpotch that pleases no-one” when a redesign is submitted. They want a “masterplan” drawn up for the area to make it welcoming to visitors and aesthetically pleasing.
After plans were withdrawn, a Morris Property spokesman said: “Taking on board comments from the Civic Society and others we are working closely with the planning department on the aesthetics.”
