Old Fire Station

Old Fire Station

Planning application 21/01750/FUL, Old Fire Station and space behind Town Hall

This scheme is an improvement over the previous one, being smaller and more respectful of the Fire Station.  But it is not adequate for this sensitive and important site.  The stark brick cubes of units 1 and 2 are incongruous and out of character in this elegant riverside setting, contrary to Policy EN1.  We understand the architect’s decision not to compete with the exuberant curves of the Town Hall, but there is no need to go to the other extreme.

The application documents are inconsistent.  The Design & Access Statement says clearly in section 6 that Unit 1 is three storeys and Unit 2 is two storeys, and explains that the heights were reduced following discussion with Historic England, who were concerned that the height & bulk of Units 1 & 2 would dominate the Fire Station and the longer views along the river.  But all the elevations, floor plans and pictures show Unit 1 having 4 storeys and Unit 2 three storeys, and they do indeed protrude unpleasantly and dominate their setting.

We are surprised that the plans were validated with this anomaly.  We have asked the planning officer for an explanation but have received no answer.

The difference is of the utmost importance.  Those ugly top floor blocks are the worst feature of the design, and an immediate eyesore in any view of the area.  If the top floors were removed and the flat roofs replaced with pitched roofs to match Colnebridge Close, the scheme would fit better into its surroundings and be more compliant with EN1.  We strongly object to the scheme in its present form, as the brick cube roofs are unacceptable.

The scheme has some good features, such as the low height of Units 4 & 5 to preserve the view of the river frontage of the Town Hall.  We note that the original decorative features of the Fire Station will be retained.  This should include restoration of any parts lost or damaged.  The green wall on Unit 5 must have a maintenance agreement and protection from vandals.

It also has some oddities.  The upper floor of the Fire Station stops well short of the river end of the building, leaving a void unconnected to the rest of the interior.  Units 2 and 4 have ground floor extensions towards the Fire Station, of less than normal height, apparently lower than the height where the Fire Station roof projects.  Unit 1 has some peculiarly shaped rooms.

This is a development in Flood Zone 3, not normally recommended.  However we note the flood voids under the buildings, and remember that this area was above the flood level in 2014.

Staines Town Society objects to this application in its present form, but considers that improvements could be made and would be happy to meet the architects to discuss them.