Some neighbours are worried the new glass structure will block sunlight
A project that could have been lifted straight from TV shows like Grand Designs or George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces is set to become a reality. A glass structure atop a historic water tower has been given the go-ahead to be transformed into a dream family home, despite some neighbours voicing concerns about potential impacts on their garden sunlight and privacy, or even becoming a tourist attraction.
The plans for the Grade II* listed Victorian structure at Tower Hill in Ormskirk were approved by councillors this week. The 17m tower, which features nine stone-built legs topped with Romanesque arches and is listed on Historic England’s Buildings at Risk register, will see new living accommodation built in its void and above.
Neil Dawson of Snook Architects in Aintree, Liverpool, had his planning application approved at the latest meeting of West Lancashire Council’s development control committee. The applicant is also the owner of the building, according to the planning application.
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Permission for conversion was previously granted in 2017 but a time limit had passed so a new application was needed. However, the conversion plan has sparked some debate among residents near the water tower, with homes located to the south and west at Tower Hill and Greetby Hill, council-owned allotments to the north, and more homes to the north and north-east at Tower Hill and Delph Top.
West Lancashire Council received several objections to a proposed development, with resident Brian Farrimond of Tower Hill voicing concern: “We feel that the proposal still does not accord the respect the tower deserves. The structure on top of the tower is wholly out of keeping with the rest of the building.”, reports Lancs Live.
He added: “Regarding overlooking, we fail to see how the louvres would make any significant contribution to protecting the privacy of neighbours. They appear to be easily bypassed by viewers on the balcony. The addition of a platform at the top only makes the invasion of privacy worse. Mr Farrimond also believes the width of the proposed entrance in the new plan is ‘much wider’ and the garage is larger than in the past.”
In another objection, local resident Helen Pugh said: “We support the conversion of the water tower to maintain this important, historic building. However, we feel the proposed design is visually unsympathetic to this Victorian construction. We seek reassurance that specialist conservation and archaeological advisers are consulted throughout the conversion to ensure the integrity of this important building is maintained.
“The proposed plans look significantly taller than the original when the water tank was in place. This has a significant impact on our property which lies directly opposite the tower. It will totally block out the morning sunshine into our garden and front rooms.”
Residents have raised concerns over privacy and environmental issues linked to the transformation of a landmark into housing. One local said: “As this is a glazed construction with what looks like a balcony around the outside, we feel our privacy will be extremely compromised. It will directly overlook our garden, In addition, we will be forced to look at a glazed tower, which has no resemblance to this original historic landmark.”
Another Tower Hill dweller, Phil Tyrer, expressed conditional support but shared worries about privacy due to the height of the new glass extension. David Kemp, from Greetby Hill, highlighted potential losses in sunlight and privacy, as well as visual and road safety concerns. He said: “This development is southwest of my house and lies within the arc of the sun. Therefore at most times during the year, it will block the sun from my garden. The sun rays are currently mainly blocked by a house behind me and this proposal will further restrict the sun’s access to my garden.” Mr Kemp also feared increased traffic from visitors might pose road safety risks.
Nonetheless, the latest West Lancashire planning committee meeting saw the project get the green light, with Cllr Andy Fowler noting that there had been long-standing plans for the tower and that the redevelopment would offer superb views. Cllr Edward Pope said: “The applicant seems to be making good progress with this. I support this.”
While Historic England mentioned it had no new comments to add, as the plan was previously passed, it underscored details on low and zero carbon technologies that can be integrated into conversions of old buildings.
