By Bruce Sinclair,Local Democracy Reporter,Robert Harries

Copyright walesonline

Plans for renovation works on Ceredigion’s museum have received the green light from county planners. Gareth Evans, of Canolfan Rheidol Rhodfa Padarn, sought listed building consent for works on the Grade-II-listed Ceredigion Museum in Aberystwyth at the September meeting of Ceredigion Council’s development management committee. The proposed works include external and internal repairs, rehabilitation and refurbishment of external walls, replacement roofworks, and rooflights. The Edwardian/Queen Anne style town centre building, once the Coliseum cinema and later housing a Peacocks store and Boots the Chemist, has a long history of planning applications associated with it. These include a 1978 scheme for restoration works to the then Coliseum Cinema, 2015 works to the Museum and Tourist Information Centre and formation of a new entrance into the Boots building, and a 2016 scheme for solar panels on its roof. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here. The proposals were supported by Aberystwyth Town Council, the Theatres Trust, and members of the public who expressed their pleasure that CCC have allocated funding to address some of the damage caused by many years of neglect and inappropriate installation of museum displays. However, there were raised eyebrows over whether the limited funds would be enough to ensure the necessary work is carried out to a standard that will preserve the building for the future. Doubts were also cast on the experience and expertise of the appointed design team, as highlighted by many of the details submitted as part of the application. There were further concerns about the “inappropriate” solar panels, some of the materials used and potential asbestos in the Boots the Chemist part of the building. The report added: “The works proposed to repair and restore the building are welcomed overall, although some additional details/conditions are considered to be required. “This is particularly the case where additional investigations are required and the details of what remedial works will be necessary are not yet clear. A condition is proposed in relation to this.” The scheme was recommended for approval with a list of conditions, the report saying that, subject to conditions, “the proposal is considered to be in line with the legislation set out in the Historic Environment (Wales) Act, and in the relevant national and local planning policy and guidance in that it does not damage the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building”. The statement read: “It is also in line with the legislation and planning policy guidance in relation to conservation areas which requires development to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area. “There will be no detrimental impacts on the setting of any other historic assets arising from this proposal due to the nature of the works.” The application, which was conditionally approved, received unanimous support from committee members.