Transformation of listed chapel – Walsingham Planning strip away new to reveal the old

Beaumont House is a part grade II part grade II* listed building operated as an hotel and conference centre by Principal Hayley Group.

PHG were anxious to get underway with ambitious plans to refurbish and make alterations to the centre, so Walsingham Planning were instructed to go through the development schedule with the project managers to advise which of the elements of the works did not require LBC. This required a painstaking analysis of the proposals, but was crucial in ensuring an early start to the works.

Walsingham Planning also advised on the strategy to achieve LBC for other works, dividing the overall scheme into phases so that the least controversial works, not requiring English Heritage involvement, could be dealt with prior to the more detailed work necessary for the more sensitive parts of the scheme.

In all, 4 LBC applications were made in succession for the various parts of the scheme involving conversion of meeting rooms to bedrooms in the later parts of the building, similar works in the original c17 building, removal of a modern false ceiling in the Chapel and then refurbishment of the Chapel. Dividing the works in this way ensured that contractors were able to keep working throughout the period. Close negotiations with the Council and EH ensured smooth passages for the work and enabled PHG to host a prestigious event in the restored chapel in autumn 2008 as a culmination to the development project.

In this project we worked alongside architects Dexter Moren Assocs., historic buildings experts Alan Baxter Assocs. and specialist paint restorers Crick Smith.