PLANS have been approved for masonry repairs at a Grade II listed building.

An application was submitted to Northumberland County Council by the agent Mr Turner of Hill Cannon Ltd, on behalf of Mr A Robinson, to conduct masonry repair works at Sydgate House in Corbridge.

Northumberland County Council's director of housing and planning approved the plans, subject to conditions, on January 3.

A retail business is contained in the building with a domestic residence above.

The plans aim to repair damage to the masonry due to the erosion of stonework and mortar over time, leading to dampness in the 'internal fabric of the property'.

The design and access statement said: "The front elevation had been historically damaged by water damage to the stone caused by defective water goods prior to their repair in 2014. The stonework and mortar at low level is in currently poor condition due to erosion of the surface."

Sydgate House, which dates back to the 18th century, is within the Corbridge Conservation Area and plans have considered the National Planning Policy Framework, in particular section 16, which relates to conserving and enhancing the historic environment.

The county council's built heritage and design officer submitted a comment in response to the plans.

"The proposed works are considered acceptable and will sustain the significance of the listed building," they said. 

A delegated report by the council said: "The main issue in the determination of this application falls on whether the proposed development would preserve or enhance the listed building and its features of architectural and historic interest," adding the repair works would preserve the Grade II listed property, its setting and architectural and historic interest. 

"Therefore, the works would accord with Section 16 of the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, Policies ENV 1 and ENV 7 of the Northumberland Local Plan and the NPPF in this respect," the report said.

Corbridge Parish Council did not object to the plans.

For more information, go to the council's planning portal and search reference number 23/04173/LBC.