The Keep, Shrewsbury

Client: Bellway

Location: Shropshire

Services Provided:

• Built Heritage Consultancy

• Heritage Statement

• Building Recording

GHC was commissioned to produce a Heritage Statement to inform a reserved matters planning application for residential conversion of The Keep, Copthorne Barracks, Shrewsbury. The Keep (along with the boundary wall) are the only surviving original elements of the barracks constructed in the 1870s under the Cardwell Reforms and are considered to be non-designated heritage assets by the local Planning Authority. The construction of keeps within the purpose-built Cardwell barracks is one of their most distinguishing features and many examples were constructed across the country, albeit with slightly differing designs. Through the production of our heritage statement, we were able to demonstrate that the proposed conversion of the building into residential flats would retain its significance and reserved matters was granted. The draft conditions supplied to our client included one for a level 2 historic building survey to be completed prior to commencement of development (which they had planned to start as soon as permission was granted). We were, therefore, asked to undertake the building recording and produce the report prior to the determination date. It was tight but the report landed with the planning officer in time to avoid the condition.