Planning – Application Comments

Consultation Date: Mon 03 Jul 2023

Comment Date: Wed 21 Feb 2024

surgery discussion undertaken with Urban Design 21.02.2024

Comment Date: Wed 21 Feb 2024

Surgery summary of comments:

o The amended proposal whilst not ideal, is considered acceptable
o The proposal is honest, reversible and re-usable
o It offers an interim measure (with minimal physical intervention) until a more permanent final solution is available
o It is more preferable than the original design and is along the lines of what was recommended within earlier comments
o Sufficient area retained for circulation around the entrance
o Whilst it is acknowledged that the ramp will be afforded some protection from the elements given its siting, there have been issues with powder coatings wearing off building materials and street furniture locally and therefore more robust materials, particularly for the high wear areas such as handrails would be preferable - one such option could be stainless steel or appropriate hardwood handrails

Comment Date: Tue 15 Aug 2023

The Plymouth Athenaeum building is an unlisted building within the City Centre Conservation Area (Adopted 2022), the building is identified as a Non-designated heritage asset in the City Centre Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan. The Athenaeum is architecturally one of the most modernist post war buildings inspired by the Festival of Britain and incorporating piloti columns and a box frame structure. Along with the grade II listed Civic Centre(NHL - 1392038), the Athenaeum building was a centrepiece for the 'Plan for Plymouth' and has a legacy stretching back to the 18th Century pre-war Athenaeum which was founded for the study and promotion of learning in Science, Technology, literature and art.

The proposal is for the creation of a new permanent ramp to improve access. This is achieved by replacing a side window to the right of the main entrance with an automatic door into the lobby area. The existing front doors will also be replaced with new doors that incorporate automatic openers.

I support the principle of improve accessibility into the Athenaeum, the multiple level changes both externally and internally are obviously challenging. However I do have some concerns with the proposed design of the external ramp. Visually the ramp will unbalance the largely symmetrical façade and the addition of a ramp structure will reduce the impact of the architectural form and design inspired by the festival of Britain. Reducing the impact of the large floating 1st floor above the narrow piloti columns.

I would be inclined to overlook the visual impact, however the final ramp and door design appears to be an awkward solution. The ramp protrudes forward of the glazed lobby and the access door is very narrow. It may well meet minimum requirements in Part M (no door width is included in the drawings). Given the function of the building the aspiration should be to exceed minimum access requirements. Additionally a separate ramped access is not ideal when considering inclusivity. Ideally all visitors should use the main entrance.

Therefore given the significance of the building and its architectural form, I would strongly recommend that a solution providing access through the main door be considered. Extending forward from the existing front steps and main door to create a larger landing with steps and a ramp access would be suitable, as would the regrading of the surface level allowing sloped access to the main door. These would be my preferred options.
As submitted the design is not considered worthy of a building of this quality within the City Centre Conservation Area. A temporary ramp would be preferable until a more suitable solution can be designed and delivered. If the development does receive consent as submitted, I would ask that the proposed ramp handrails are free standing, rather than secured to the concrete cladding to ensure the development has minimal irreversible impact on the buildings original fabric.

Comment Date: Mon 03 Jul 2023

As the proposed ramp is located outside of the boundary of HMPE, I would not wish to raise any objections to this application from a LHA viewpoint.