Peterborough bar set to remove iconic dome from roof due to 'significant deterioration'
A Peterborough bar has submitted an application to remove an iconic dome from the roof of its building.
The 555 Cocktail and Shisha bar, on Broadway, has submitted an application to remove the well-known dome from atop its building to replace it with a flat roof structure.
The dome structure has been in place since the approval of a new first floor to the building in 1997.
Plans state the dome needs to be removed due to ‘significant deterioration.’
It states that:
- The polycarbonate sheets forming the dome have perished and contain multiple holes
- Several sheets have slipped from their supporting framework, resulting in water ingress
- The timber structural frame supporting the dome, particularly at its base and around the window elements, has rotted extensively
- The structure is no longer weather-tight and is subject to ongoing failure
It adds: “The contractor has advised that the dome is in a condition beyond reasonable repair and presents a risk in terms of continued degradation, water penetration, and structural instability.
“As such, the removal of the dome is not discretionary but is required to ensure the safety, integrity, and continued use of the building.
"In heritage terms, national policy recognises that where elements of a building have
deteriorated beyond repair, their replacement may be justified where this secures the long-term conservation and viable use of the asset.
"The proposed works therefore represent a necessary and proportionate response to the structural failure of a later addition of limited heritage significance.”
The proposal is to replace the dome with a continuation of the existing flat roof structure.
The works would see the dome removed entirely, new roof joists installed and the creation of a ‘simpler, more uniform roof.’
The proposed development seeks to remove a structurally unsound, unsafe and detrimentally
prominent roof dome and replace it with a continuation of the existing flat roof.
The works are justified on structural and safety grounds and will deliver a clear visual
improvement to the building. The proposal preserves and enhances the character and
appearance of the Conservation Area and complies with the relevant provisions of national and local planning policy.”
The application will now be reviewed and can be seen on Peterborough City Council’s planning portal using reference 26/002315/FUL.