Further loss of character in the Conservation Area
The original (approved 2016) Application sought to convert Bridge House from an office into 7 flats. We do not object to offices becoming flats but we DO OBJECT to the proposal to alter the style and angle of the pitched roof. We made comments on the original application to convert this office building in 2016 as follows:-
The Staines Town Society note that this proposal has at least retained some sort of pitched roof. We prefer the current style of pitch and are not particularly in favour of the proposed because it is less steep.
However, if approved, we would not wish to see any further reduction in pitch or increase in flat roof area at a later stage of the conversion, which would be detrimental to he Conservation Area street scene, particularly as viewed from the Listed Bridge.
As far as duplex apartments are concerned they look extremely small (pokey) and lack any visible storage space but they are above the minimum size permitted for the town centre. This means they are at least, bigger than some of the proposed Bridge Street car park flats!
We cannot see any provision for refuse or laundry and we’re not quite sure about the arrangements for communal heating – will that work or become an issue in the future?
The wall hung cycle racks in the under croft car park are especially difficult to use particularly for smaller or not very strong people – is there no space for an alternative style of bike rack?
It is also interesting to note the complaint, in the Design & Access Statement, that commercial use of Bridge House is no longer viable and (or because?) Strata and the Bridge St car park development will “punish” the area with parking problems.
A revision to the Application has now been submitted. The revised Application is for a change from a pitched to a FLAT ROOF! Our recent comments are as follows:-
The comments made by the Staines Town Society regarding the original application for this site still apply and remain of concern.
The Staines Town Society are extremely disappointed that this revised proposal for Bridge House, which is located within the Staines Conservation Area, seeks to eliminate the pitched roof. We object to the loss of the pitched roof in the street scene, especially as viewed from the Listed Bridge.
The approval of other developments (built or unbuilt) in the locality should not be used as a benchmark within the Conservation Area. In order to prevent further degradation at the fringes of the conservation area and retain some of the character or at least a glimpse of it, particularly as viewed from the Listed Bridge, the pitched roofs of the existing buildings in Bridge Street must remain intact.
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