A historic Victorian water tower in Lancashire is set for transformation into a glass family home.
- The 17-metre high, Grade II* listed structure has been unoccupied for years and is now on England’s Buildings at Risk register.
- Despite concerns over privacy and sunlight, West Lancashire Council approves the conversion plans.
- Residents voice both support and objections, citing design and privacy issues.
- Snook Architects, Liverpool, spearhead the redevelopment, which includes building over the former water tank void.
A historic water tower in Lancashire is poised for a remarkable transformation. The Grade II* listed Victorian structure, standing 17 metres tall, will become a modern glass home. Approved by West Lancashire Council, this ambitious endeavour will revitalise the tower, which has been vacant for many years and is currently listed on England’s Buildings at Risk register.
The new design for the tower, submitted by Neil Dawson of Snook Architects, has generated a mix of anticipation and concern amongst local residents. The approval marks a new chapter following an expired 2017 permission for conversion. The plan involves constructing living spaces atop the tower, specifically in the void formerly occupied by an iron water tank until its removal in the 1980s.
Local feedback has been mixed. Some residents expressed apprehension about potential privacy invasions and the impact on natural light. Brian Farrimond, a local resident, stressed that the proposed structure atop the tower felt incongruous with the original architectural style. Farrimond also highlighted privacy concerns, suggesting that balcony viewers could easily overlook neighbouring properties, exacerbating the invasion of privacy.
Helen Pugh, another resident, showed support for preserving the historic building but raised criticisms of the proposed modern design she described as visually unsympathetic to the Victorian architecture. Pugh, alongside others, emphasised the need for consultation with conservation experts to maintain the building’s historical integrity. She also indicated the new design might obstruct sunlight to her property, which lies directly opposite the tower.
Despite these concerns, the development project has officially been sanctioned. Councillor Andy Fowler remarked on the long-standing interest in developing the tower, viewing the project as an opportunity for unrivalled views. Meanwhile, Historic England, while not offering new comments on the recent approval, noted the potential for integrating low-carbon technologies in such developments.
The controversial yet exciting transformation of the water tower into a modern home has been granted approval, marking significant progress for this historic site.
