Background
The University of Oxford appointed Edgars to coordinate the planning and consultation process for its ambitious plans to create a new visitor entrance and welcome space and to improve the overall accessibility of the Grade I listed History of Science Museum in Oxford.
The Museum’s aim was to make sure that everyone – regardless of any physical or spatial disability – would be able to access and enjoy the Museum in exactly the same way, which included being able to enter the Museum via the same front entrance.
Challenge
Historic England were initially very resistant to the design of the new front entrance (which involved the enclosure of the front basement lightwell), owing to the impact that it would have on the Museum’s historically significant front elevation.
While supportive of the principle of equal access and the need for change, the City Council also expressed concerns with regards to the proposed design solution.
Solution
Edgars coordinated an iterative programme of joint consultation with Historic England and Oxford City Council which went back to ‘options’ (including ‘do nothing’) and sought to work with all parties to identify a mutually agreeable design solution. Meetings were treated as ‘workshops’ to discuss and refine various elements of the design, and at every point we sought to demonstrate how previous feedback had been meaningfully taken into account.
Edgars also prepared a robust needs case and optimum viable use statement which demonstrated that the building’s continued use as a museum was the least harmful and only viable use for the building that would safeguard its future.
Result
The final scheme which was submitted for planning and listed building consent had the support of the City Council and historic amenity societies. Historic England did not object to the proposals and recognised that they were the ‘least harmful’ option that would meet the Museum’s aspirations and safeguard the building’s future.
Consent was granted by the City under delegated powers, and no post-submission amendments to the proposals were required.
Conclusion
Pre-application consultation was fundamental to this project. By facing up to the tough questions and demonstrating how feedback had been genuinely incorporated into the design, we were able to gain the LPA and HE’s support for the scheme. Miriam Owen, Associate Director.
Client Testimonial
“Edgars’ patient, insightful, and consultative approach, that enabled open discussions between us and the various planning authorities as critical friends, was crucial in achieving success.”
Dr Silke Ackermann, Director, History of Science Museum
If you’re looking for planning consultants to assist you with commercial buildings, education facilities, master planning and more, we can help. Get in touch with us on 01865 731700 or email enquiries@edgarslimited.co.uk.