Victorian School - Planning Permission?

Question

My local school is an old Victorian building and is a lovely example of Victorian Architecture. However they’ve put in planning permission to extend the school for a new local help centre (so nothing to do with kids) I’ve objected but don’t think this is enough. Does anyone know any organisations that might help fight this and save the historical building or anywhere that will help get it listed so it limited what they can do to spoil it.

Forgot to say i was in UK - sorry

Answer 1

you could look into getting it made into a historical landmark check up at your town hall or call your congressman/main lawmaker (assuming US)
otherwise you could strat a petition at your school and see if that will help to change things.

Answer 2

Don't know any organisations, sorry.

What everyone has said about lobbying councillors, contacting local heritage societies etc seems like a good idea.

Notwithstanding the fact that the building does not appear to be listed, you should also check to see whether it is in a conservation area. Not as good as listing, but it may give it an extra layer of protection and will require a second application!

You also need to check the development plan for your area. This is the raft of policies on which the planning decision will be made. One key question is whether or not the school is on the "local list". This is an informal list of buildings which warrant special consideration because of their age/architecture. These are buildings that did not quite makelisted status. If the building is on the list, then that is a material planning consideration. But it is only one consideration.

In objecting to a planning application, the important thing is to advance arguments which are material planning considerations. As I said before, the key source of these is the development plan for your area. These policies are concerned with the "amenity" of the area, and you need to focus your arguments accordingly. For example will the development affect previously green land which was open space or school fields? Is the design of the building in keeping with its setting. The use of the building is also important, because it differs from a school. You should consider the effect of day (and night??) comings and goings from the drop in centre and the effect on residents. Has a transport assessment been carried out? Has the effect on the highway network been considered?

Good luck.

Answer 3

Unless it's listed then I don't think there's much you can do. An old Methodist church (built 1872) where I live has just been demolished to make way for a brand new one. It was terrible to see such a beautiful building being knocked-down. All the old red victorian bricks and welsh slate roof just turned to rubble within a couple days, probably to be replaced by a horrible modern building. They said it would cost too much to repair the old building and it was cheaper to build a brand new one!
Victorian buildings usually only have listed status if they are of local historical importance (say for example a famous person lived there at some point). I live in a Victorian house. Only very old buildings automatically become listed - I think if they were built before 1700 or something but check with your local history society to make sure.

Answer 4

(a) Try to get it listed (which you know about)
(b) Involve any local heritage societies there may be - check with library/Council Offices
(c) Contact the Victorian Society (http://www.victorian-society.org.uk/)
(d) try to start your own pressure group by writing to your local newspaper, see how many other people share your concerns. If you can get enough people together, consider a stall in the town centre one weekend and try and get a petition going.
(e) Contact everyone who lives near the school. See if they are aware of the proposals and if they are happy with them. If they are not, get them to write a letter of objection to the Planning Department.
(f) Find out which councillors are on the planning committee - speak to them and make your objections known.

Answer 5

If it is Victorian it should be at least Grade four. Your local Council will help. The School will need Planning Permissions to make any changes and you will be given the opportunity to object. Are they changing the school or extending it , the plans will be on view at your local Town and Planning office.Good luck

Answer 6

the heritage trust could help it may be or soon to be a listed building if so a whole new set of rules will come into place

Answer 7

your local historical society...