A Ripon solicitors’ revised plans for a replacement roof incorporating 14 solar panels have been slated by Historic England.

Newtons Solicitors relocated from Duck Hill to new, larger premises at 36  Market Place South last year.

It is now seeking planning permission for the roof which, if approved, would be constructed from modern Brazilian slate to the front and rear elevations, with solar panels on the roof at the back of the property.

A previous application submitted to North Yorkshire Council in June was refused, but a revised plan will be considered at this evening’s full Ripon City Council meeting at the town hall — two doors down from Newtons’ offices.

Newtons’ office (right) are in close proximity to the grade II listed Ripon Town Hall

City councillors will have the opportunity to make their observations this evening, but Historic England, which is the government’s statutory adviser on the historic environment, has already submitted its comments to North Yorkshire planners.

In a letter dated November 30, which can be seen on the North Yorkshire Council planning portal, the heritage watchdog, said:

“The replacement of the traditional stone slate roof with a new Brazilian slate material would result in unjustified harm to Ripon Conservation Area.”

It added:

“We do not consider that there is any justification for the level of harm arising from the proposed removal of a traditional stone roof and its replacement in slate.

“We are not supportive of these proposals. We cannot find any legitimacy in the applicant’s position that the removal of a historical stone roof and its replacement with a contrasting material is any sort of enhancement to the special architectural or historic interest of the conservation area.

“The stone slate roof is a legitimate part of the positive contribution this building makes to the conservation area. Therefore, its loss both with regard to the physical fabric and the associated loss of context would dilute its historical appearance and would be irrefutably harmful.”

‘Minor visual impact’

A planning, design and heritage statement prepared on behalf of Newtons by planning experts CLB Heritage, claimed:

“36 Market Place South is of no heritage interest as a 19th century building with later 20th century alteration. The adjacent listed buildings are of significance, but the row contributes positively overall to the character and appearance of the Ripon Conservation Area.”

It added:

“The change from stone to Welsh (or similar) slate roof tiles will have a very minor visual impact. The impact is reduced because the Welsh slate is a key feature in Ripon Market Place as set out in the conservation area appraisal.”

‘No harm done’

With regard to the impact on the conservation area, CLB concluded:

“No harm has been identified to the significance or setting of the surrounding listed buildings or conservation area. On balance, the works preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area, utilising a traditional and predominantly used material.”

Main picture: The solicitors’ offices are within the Ripon Conservation Area.

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