Plans for a glass structure atop a historic water tower in Ormskirk have been approved, allowing a transformation into a family home.
- Councillors addressed concerns regarding potential impacts on privacy and sunlight from neighbours before granting approval.
- The Victorian water tower, a Grade II* listed structure, had been on Historic England’s Buildings at Risk register due to its long-standing vacancy.
- The transformation project will utilise the space previously occupied by an iron water tank removed in the 1980s.
- Local residents have expressed both support and concerns about the design’s impact on the tower’s historic integrity.
The proposed transformation of the historic water tower in Ormskirk into a glass-structured family home has received the go-ahead from West Lancashire Council. The project, designed by Neil Dawson of Snook Architects, involves the conversion of the Grade II* listed Victorian tower, which stands 17 metres high and rests upon nine stone-built legs with Romanesque arches.
Although neighbouring residents have raised concerns about potential impacts on privacy and sunlight obstruction, the project has been approved. The owner, who also submitted the planning application, aims to utilise the void where a water tank once sat.
Residents have voiced various opinions on the design. Brian Farrimond stated concerns that the structure on top of the tower does not respect its historic character, suggesting that privacy measures like louvres would be insufficient. Helen Pugh, while supporting the overall conversion, highlighted worries about the design’s visual harmony with the Victorian architecture.
Fellow resident Phil Tyrer expressed general support but noted that the new extension’s height could impact neighbours’ privacy. David Kemp from Greetby Hill echoed these concerns, adding worries about increased traffic and potential road safety hazards should the tower become a tourist attraction.
Despite these apprehensions, the planning committee gave the project the green light. Coun Andy Fowler remarked that the development would provide remarkable views, while Coun Edward Pope supported the ongoing progress. Historic England noted that while it had no new comments, considerations for integrating sustainable technologies should be considered.
The project has been officially approved, despite mixed reactions from residents, and sets a precedent for adaptive re-use of historical structures.
