On 11th September the appeal by City & Country (C&C) to allow the existing cladding on the General’s ogee dome to remain was refused. C&C were given planning permission to re-create the dome ‘exactly as it was in the 1853 design’ but using zinc cladding rather than the original lead. C&C chose to clad in a synthetic material. In his judgment, the Planning Inspector stated that the ‘main issues are the effect of the works upon the significance of the grade II listed building known as Bristol General Hospital, and whether it preserves or enhances the character or appearance of the Redcliffe Conservation Area.’ Our original coverage has the details.
In refusing the appeal, the Planning Inspector noted:
At my visit I saw that the surface of the membrane has puckered and wrinkled significantly in places. This was easily discernible at ground level from a number of perspectives.
As a result it looks cheap and has the appearance of a stretched fabric rather than the solid appearance and sense of rigidity that would be achieved with a metal finish.
The Planning Inspector’s report can be viewed on the Bristol City Council planning page. Search for 24/00621/F.
City & Country design & planning director, Simon Vernon-Harcourt told Bristol 24/7 ‘We will now review the decision in detail and work out the next steps. We will ensure that works to the dome will coincide with regular maintenance of the historic building to minimise disturbance to the residents.’