Listed Victorian water tower to be turned into home
A landmark Victorian water tower will be transformed into a three-bedroom home after plans were given the green light.
An application was submitted for the tower in St George's Parkway, Stafford, which is Grade II Listed, and has now been approved by Stafford Borough Council.
The water tower is on the site of Shropshire Homes’ development of St George's Hospital, formerly known as Staffordshire General Lunatic Asylum Gaol Square.
It was previously on the market for £35,000.
A report in the application says: “The water tower is currently unoccupied and in a state of disuse.
"The site is situated in a central area of the redevelopment of St George's asylum and is an important feature within the historical fabric of the area.
“The conversion of the tower will be undertaken without externally altering or extending the building. The proposed layout of the dwelling will comprises of a single four storey residence.
“The property is Grade II Listed and is an important example of Victorian civic architecture it is of special interest and character with no other known building of the exact design.
"It is constructed in Staffordshire red brick. It was originally built circa 1884 to service the St George’s lunatic asylum built in 1818.”
The applicants add that there is no planned work which would "interfere with the current period appearance or integrity of the building".
The site accompanies one of the earliest asylums in the country, Grade II Listed, it represents important changes in law and a shift in attitudes towards mental health provision, according to the plans.
The plans add: “It can easily be concluded by any observer of the site that the water tower is a visually striking piece of Victorian civic architecture, towering above the neighbouring St Georges Hospital.
"As it was purpose built to hold thousands of litres of water, it features outstanding 72 centimetre thick walls at the base.”