By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Cheltenham Town Hall will be getting a new rear door as council chiefs approve improvement works.
Borough councillors considered plans for the prominent, imposing and large Edwardian building at a recent planning committee meeting.
The proposed works for the grade II listed building in Imperial Square include the like for like replacement of one set of rear doors and associated floor double-action spring mechanisms.
The scheme also includes renewing floor springs below one set of front double-doors.
Officers said many faults have been found with the door springs over many years.
They are late 20th century and are coming to the end of their use and beyond economic repair.
Due to previous repairs, the floor springs have become uneven and no longer flush. And they represent a health and safety concern.
Officers told the meeting on December 19 that conservation officers did not need specific plans as the replacement of the door is like for like.
“It’s in a poor condition. Its fittings are loose,” they said.
“The proposal is to replace the door like for like. The door has been reinforced in places with boarding plywood. It is felt to be beyond repair.”
Officers also said the spring mechanisms in the floor for the front doors “They are not operating at the moment. As I understand the door itself cannot be used.
“So both sides will be replaced with new internal mechanisms fitted.”
Chairman Garth Barnes (LD, College) told the committee that the door did need replacing.
But Cllr Simon Wheeler asked about the other two doors at the rear.
“If you’re doing one,” he said. “Is there a necessity to do the other two? Or are we not looking at the cost of that?”
Officers said the condition of the other doors is acceptable. The committee voted unanimously to approve the scheme.