Devon council changes design plans for historic Bideford wharf
Director of Red Earth Simon Friend said the changes gave the project more of a "wharf-style aesthetic" which was encouraged by the council's conservation officer and Historic England.Historic England said it had no objection but remained concerned about the scale of the three main accommodation blocks.The organisation also had concern about the impact on the Grade I listed Long Bridge and Royal Hotel, and a number of Grade II structures on both sides of the river.
The changes will mean pedestrians losing 3ft (0.9m) of river walkway in certain points but Mr Friend said that access for machinery would improve.Councillor Chris Leather said the recessed balconies were better than the previous "porcupine" effect and he did not think a slight reduction in the walkway was significant.Mr Friend said it was a "massively important regeneration project for Bideford" which had "huge local support".He said the development would pay tribute to the site's history through the preservation of the I Baker & Son plaque and a storytelling approach throughout the scheme. This would be achieved in collaboration with local organisations such as the Way of the Wharves and Bideford Bridge Trust, he added.
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