News / conservation
Planning permission refused for developers who destroyed 400-year-old Bristol ceiling
Developers who sparked outrage when they destroyed a 400-year-old Jacobean ceiling in the heart of Bristol’s Old City have had planning permission refused.
Proposals to convert the historic Small Street building into student flats have been halted after the council’s development management committee voted against giving them the go-ahead at City Hall on Wednesday (December 20).
Contractors reportedly took a sledgehammer to the ceiling of the historic Small Street building
Midas Properties / G&E Baio Ltd met with widespread condemnation in September when constructors tore down the ornate, historical ceiling prior to a visit from conservation officers to assess it for listed status.
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The act prompted calls for a planning loophole to be closed and interim protection granted for properties awaiting assessment to safeguard against “wilful vandalism” in the future.
Architect Neil McKay launched a campaign for the planning loophole to be closed
The company was within its legal rights to alter the building’s interior and responded to criticism at the time, saying it took action because the premises had become dangerous and it needed to “respect the safety” of the site.
In council papers, officers noted that whilst the loss of the historic ceiling may be emotive, the acts of demolition did not require planning consent and therefore must not be taken into account when assessing the planning application.
The application outlines plans to re-arrange the interior of the former Small Horse bar, to incorporate five student flats, plus communal living areas.
Despite officers’ recommendations that permission should be granted, subject to conditions, council committee members voted to refuse the plans – with six votes against and four in favour – although all councillors were unanimous in condemning the ceiling’s demolition.
15 Small Street
Architect Neil McKay launched a campaign calling for the planning loophole to be closed.
Reacting to the decision, he said: “I am pleased to see that the application has been refused.
“While the planning officer and councillors noted that they could not refuse it on the grounds of the destroyed ceiling, they nonetheless demonstrated a clear desire to send a strong message to developers that such vandalism would not be tolerated in Bristol.”
Reasons given for refusing planning permission included harm to existing heritage assets in the vicinity, safety concerns because the entrance to flats would be down a narrow lane, questions surrounding the quality of accommodation and there being no need for more student housing in the area.
It is not yet known if the developer will appeal the decision.
Read more: Campaign to close planning loophole after destruction of historic Bristol ceiling
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