Studio plan to go ahead (From Stroud News and Journal)

Studio plan to go ahead

BAD boy of art, Damien Hirst has been given the green light to develop his Chalford studio after a close-fought political battle at Ebley Mill.

Plans to demolish and replace existing studio buildings at the London Road site and renovate the Grade II* listed Chalford Place were passed by just one vote yesterday.

Council officers and some committee members believed the modern buildings would ruin the setting of the historic building and could pose a flood risk.

But other development control councillors leapt to the artist's defence after an impassioned speech by ward councillor and council leader Chas Fellows (Con, Chalford).

"This proposal is a genuinely important development for Chalford and the Stroud area as a whole," said Cllr Fellows.

"Stroud council has a policy of promoting artistic development in the area. The village of Chalford has a chance to become a centre for that development.

"It is easy to overlook the benefits the scheme could bring and I feel we must keep a sense of proportion."

Planning officers warned that Chalford Place was among the top five per cent of listed buildings in the country and had to have its setting protected.

And Cllr John Jones (Con, Severn), added: "I would not want it in my back garden to be honest."

Cllr Sue Fellows (Con, Chalford), suggested the compromise that the development should only be allowed with certain conditions attached.

These included an agreement to re-roof Chalford Place, removal of unsightly buildings and the provision of an access route to clear debris from the River Frome.

Councillors voted in her proposal by a narrow margin of just eight votes to seven.