It is in a national park’s best interests that a developer behind conversion of a Georgian stable block linked to the birth of modern horseracing should be allowed to retain unauthorised changes, planning officers have concluded.
ROSA WOODS/Stuff
The Edwardian building was constructed in 1906 and was originally used as an alcohol-free hotel. In applying for the design change in 2019, environmental and town planning consultants Urban Perspectives told the council the redevelopment had proven to be much more difficult than first thought. “After a number of failed attempts by various people to strengthen and repurpose the building, Clem and Patricia Griffiths have taken up the challenge and are partway through the works,” it said. “Unfortunately, as can be the case with heritage buildings, once work has commenced it has been discovered that significantly more work is having to be done to strengthen the building and make it fit for re-use.