Grand Designs-style glass home on top of historic water tower gets green light

A glass structure atop a historic water tower has been given the go-ahead to be transformed into a dream family home. Despite concerns from neighbours about potential impacts on garden sunlight, privacy, and fears it could become a tourist attraction, councillors have approved plans for the Grade II* listed Victorian structure at Tower Hill in Ormskirk.

The 17-metre high tower, featuring nine stone-built legs topped with Romanesque arches, is currently listed on Historic England’s Buildings at Risk register. A planning application submitted by Neil Dawson of Snook Architects in Aintree, Liverpool, was approved at the latest meeting of West Lancashire Council’s development control committee.

The applicant is also the owner of the building. Although permission for conversion was granted in 2017, a time limit had passed necessitating a new application. The conversion will see living accommodation built above the tower and in the void where an iron water tank sat before it was removed in the 1980s.

However, the conversion plan has sparked debate among residents living near the water tower.

Several objections were lodged with West Lancashire Council regarding the proposed changes. Brian Farrimond, a resident of Tower Hill, expressed his concerns in writing: "We feel that the proposal still does not accord the respect the tower deserves. The structure on top of the tower is wholly out of keeping with the rest of the building.", reports Lancs Live.

He added: "Regarding overlooking, we fail to see how the louvres would make any significant contribution to protecting the privacy of neighbours. They appear to be easily by-passed by viewers on the balcony. The addition of a platform at the top only makes the invasion of privacy worse."

Mr Farrimond further noted that the proposed entrance seemed ‘much wider’ and the garage larger than previous plans.

In addition, Helen Pugh, another Tower Hill resident, penned her support for the conversion but raised concerns about the design: "We support the conversion of the water tower to maintain this important, historic building. However we feel the proposed design is visually unsympathetic to this Victorian construction.

"We seek reassurance that specialist conservation and archaeological advisers are consulted throughout the conversion to ensure the integrity of this important building is maintained."

Ms Pugh also highlighted the potential impact on her property, stating: "The proposed plans looks significantly taller than the original, when the water tank was in place. This has a significant impact on our property which lies directly opposite the tower. It will totally block-out the morning sunshine into our garden and front rooms.

"As this is a glazed construction with what looks like a balcony around the outside, we feel our privacy will be extremely compromised. It will directly overlook our garden, In addition we will be forced to look at a glazed tower, which has no resemblance to this original historic landmark."

Phil Tyrer, another local from Tower Hill, conveyed his general support for the project but raised issues regarding the new extension’s height and its impact on neighbouring homes’ privacy. David Kemp from Greetby Hill aired worries about diminished sunlight, invasion of privacy, visual interference, and the potential hazards posed by increased traffic.

Mr Kemp also warned that the renovated tower could lure tourists and vehicles, posing risks to road safety. Despite these apprehensions, West Lancashire’s latest planning committee gave the green light to the project.

Coun Andy Fowler commented at the meeting, saying: "For as long as I can remember, there have been plans or talk about developing the tower. This will have some cracking views."

Coun Edward Pope commented, "The applicant seems to be making good progress with this. I support this."

Meanwhile, Historic England indicated that it had no new comments to add since the plan had already been approved. However, it drew attention to details regarding low and zero carbon technologies that could be integrated into conversions of historic buildings.

Don’t miss the latest news and analysis with our regular North West newsletters – sign up here for free