A planning application for a spa expansion and renovation in the Matfen Hall was approved by the Northumberland County Council.
The offer includes a moved fitness studio, changing facilities, treatment rooms, offices and the creation of a new inner courtyard.
As shown in an accompanying declaration of design and access, the proposed expansion is designed as “proportional and yet submissive” for the luxury hotel.
The explanation also contained the following: “The existing building offers the entrance, changing facilities, treatment rooms and gym as well as offices and personnel facilities that also use the existing plant room.
“The proposed expansion offers space for other treatment rooms, a yoga studio, a bar/food and the pool, swimming and thermal huts.”
There were no objections to the public. While the BHD officer (BHD) of the Council in principle supported the advice of the council, however, they were concerned about the proposed use of zinc as the main roof material, as this said that this would be inappropriately in this place and harmful for the cessation of the Hall conservation area of grade II.
In a section of the planning officer report in relation to this point, it says: “Officials recognize the concerns and objections in the assessment of the BHD representative.
“According to a detailed assessment of the proposals, including the discussions with the architect of the applicant, Heritage consultant and colleague in BHD, it is the opinion of the officer that the proposed use of zinc as a roof conveyor material for the balance, in this place and in the context of the design would be acceptable for this point.”
The report states that the factors for taking this position were “the place of development in the west side of the hall in an area that is recognized that they have little historical or architectural meaning and in which the general importance of the western increase of the hall is low”.
Two other factors were “the existing and proposed trees and landscape design in this area west of the hall, which alleviate the visual effects of development” and “The proposed expansion should be a high -quality design and a contemporary addition of the hallway, hence the use of an alternative roof material that provides a similar color.