2 weeks Ago By Dominic Robertson
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Shrewsbury's Unitarian Church, based on High Street, has requested listed building consent to add the protective covers to some of its windows. The church, which was founded in 1662, is Grade II listed.
The building as it stands today was built in 1835, with its current facade dating from 1885, and is considered a fine example of late Georgian urban architecture. It is also included in Shrewsbury's Conservation Area. It was attended by Charles Darwin as a child, as explained by a heritage statement submitted with the application, which states: "Charles Darwin worshipped at the church until he was eight years of age when his mother died in 1817.
" The application focussed on concerns over meeting hall windows on the roof being at risk of damage. A report from Shropshire Council planning officer Karen Rolfe says that debris from the neighbouring former Rackham's building poses a risk to the windows - which are not visible from the High Street. It states: "The Inspecting Architect has recently viewed the upper decorative windows to the meeting hall which are noted to comprise cast iron frames, and while they have been deemed to be in good decorative order, it was apparent that the windows have been damaged by falling debris and roof covering material off the adjacent building formerly occupied by Rackham's Department store.
"The proposal as set out in the Heritage Statement is to repair any damage to the clear glazing in the main window (like for like) and erect clear 6mm thick UV protected polycarbonate protection guards to the windows on the south side of the Church. "It is noted that these upper windows are sheltered and only visible from the adjacent building's flat roof and therefore not readily seen by the public. "The intention is to attach the polycarbonate to the brick wall with rawl bolts or similar in stainless steel where this will be slightly proud of the wall.
No frames will be used. This approach has been agreed with the Conservation Officer as an acceptable way to provide protection to these historic windows." Outlining the reasons for granting approval, the report adds: "The installation of these external protective guards to the upper level decorative metal windows is considered to be an appropriate response to the protection of this historic fabric from damage from debris which threatens this part of the Church building.
"The installation will not be readily visible externally and the clear material should not impact on views of the windows from inside the Nave. "The works are also reversible should the need arise.".
