COUNTY planners have referred a controversial scheme for repair work on Hereford’s Shirehall to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Work to replace defective lath and plaster ceilings at the clerk to the justices in the neoclassical style grade II* building on St Peter’s Square began without listed building consent to do so.

Councillors considering the plans said the ceiling collapsed while dancing and wassailing was under way in the council chamber in February.

Applicant Robert Scott, property services officer, sought specialist advice from the principal building conservation officer and Historic England before carrying out initial works, according to council documents.

Officers said the part retrospective nature of the application was unfortunate but that the works were considered acceptable.

Planning officer Simon Withers said the council was acutely aware of the scrutiny given to the retrospective nature of this application.

“However, focusing on the heritage implications of these works, they are considered to appropriately address a safety issue in a manner that would cause less than significant harm to this grade II* listed building,” he said.

“In this case, that harm is considered to be outweighed by the benefits of bringing this part back into safe and beneficial use.”

Ward councillor Jeremy Milln said the situation was more than simply unfortunate.

“We are here in Herefordshire’s premier civic space,” he said.

“This is a building by Sir Robert Smirke who has a national standing as an architect.

“We need to demonstrate by example. We cannot expect others who care for listed buildings in this county to do so in an exemplary manner unless we are prepared to do so ourselves.

“What occurred is an offence. We, as an authority, committed an offence under the Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act 1990, Section 7 for which the extenuating circumstances under Section 9 do not apply.”

Coun Paul Rone said he could only imagine what would happen to a private individual or a developer if they were to carry out the same works, if they encountered the same problems, and took the same route.

“I would imagine the great weight of the council would be upon them, bearing in mind quite recently we did threaten legal action against someone for using a non-breathable paint on a listed building and the works were stopped.

“Reading a lot of this content there is almost a double standard. But as I said, it’s Hobson’s choice and the sooner this building is put back into use the better.”

Councillors agreed the secretary of state should approve the plans.