Consent to reinstate 'traditional shopfront elements' at Barrow probation office is granted

A design and access statement submitted in support of the work said the front of 77-79 Duke Street was in 'poor condition' because 'inferior softwood has been used for modern interventions'.

"There are areas of rotting timber, particularly around the pilasters, that require replacement, along with modern tiles on the stallrisers," said the statement.

"Due to the existing use as a probation office, the staff require privacy from pedestrians in the form of glazing manifestations."

The statement says number 77 previously operated as a hatter, a watchmaker, jeweller, grocer and draper.

Number 79 previously operated as a printer, then a watch and clockmaster.

Following is a list of the work due to take place at the site:

• Reinstatement of traditional shopfront elements based on historical examples such as corbels, cornices and stallriser details.
• Wholesale redecoration of the shop front.
• New Accoya timber doors with glazing panels to match existing doors and profiles.
• New Accoya timber window frames and mullions 'to reinstate traditional molding and details'.
• New Victorian-style awnings and external pendant lighting to match that shown in historic photographs.

The project was given consent by the borough council's planning committee on Tuesday. 

It had been recommended for approval by case officer Maureen Smith prior to the meeting.

In a pre-meeting report, Ms Smith said the application had given 'careful consideration' to 'aesthetic, historic, architectural and evidential value'.

"A heritage impact assessment has been submitted and the general ethos is repair of historic fabric with sensitive replacement using appropriate materials, design and detailing," she said. 

A photograph showing the site as it was in 1882. Picture: Barrow Borough Council planning portal

"Insensitive interventions, such as remnants of modern signage and cables, will be removed and underlying historic materials made good."

She said: "The works are being supervised and grant-funded through the [Historic England] Heritage Action Zones scheme and the proposals are well-designed and carefully thought-through using archive research to justify interventions; they should enhance the street scene and act as an exemplar of good practice in shopfront design which, hopefully, others will follow."

The application was submitted by Mr R Wood, of Barrow Borough Council.