We have recently responded to a planning application to convert the former doctors’ surgery in St.Andrew Street to 4 no. residential dwellings including internal and external alterations to the listed building, parking, EV charging point, bin and cycle storage and associated works.
The proposed development site falls within the boundary of the Bengeo Neighbourhood Area Plan.
We note that relevant Neighbourhood Plan policies are referenced in paragraphs 4.33-4.38 of the Design and Access Statement.
The proposals, as described in both the Design and Access Statement and Heritage Statement, appear to be sympathetic to the heritage and significance of this Grade II Listed building and its surroundings. As such, they are compliant with Neighbourhood Plan Policy HBC2: Listed Buildings and Structures.
We note that GP services were transferred from Wallace House to Lea Wharf in February 2024. Returning this building to four individual domestic dwellings, will, if internal and external alterations are conducted in accordance with Historic England’s guidelines, meet the requirements of Neighbourhood Plan Policy HBC2.
We support the comments made in response to this planning application by the Hertford Swift Group, specifically that maintaining existing Swift nest access, during and after renovation work, is referenced and conditioned in planning and Listed Building approvals. We note that the Hertford Swift Group describe Wallace House as ‘the single most important building for nesting Swifts in Hertford’. We recommend that appropriate advice and support is sought from the Hertford Swift Group throughout renovation works.