Leicester
Mark Price Theatre and Heritage Consultant was asked to provide a Heritage Statement in support of an installation of a new flue. The property was located in the South Highfields Conservation Area but was not locally or statutory listed.
A new flue was required as part of a change of use to a restaurant.
The proposal involved installing a new flue extraction system to provide ventilation to remove fumes and safely redirect them elsewhere. Consideration was given to the best place to locate the kitchen as well as the new flue. The location, to the rear of the premises, was considered not only efficient for the functioning restaurant but also provided the least harm to the conservation area.
Supporting such alterations to properties in conservation areas requires careful research, consideration and justification. An assessment and statement of significance which included the setting was provided. The proposed flue would be located to the rear of the premises, on part of the building which was identified to be of limited architectural and historical significance. It would not be seen at all from the frontage, a main thoroughfare, given the high parapet and the setback location.
Mitigation measures were considered such as an alternative location, but these were thought more harmful to the conservation area. It was also the best location for continued maintenance. An existing brick chimney could not be utilised.
Thus, the alterations proposed had due regard for what it is that makes the building special and significant yet helping to make the unit suitable and usable. The report was able to confirm that the proposals did not harm the significance of the building or the character and appearance of the South Highfields Green Conservation Area.
A Heritage Statement was provided that adhered to Leicester City Council’s Core strategy.
Contact Mark Price, Heritage Consultant, if you would like help with a similar heritage project.
