PLANNING officers insist proposals to install new cameras at Warrington Town Hall to boost security will not damage the heritage value of the 269-year-old site.

The council’s application to replace the existing 13 CCTV cameras with new HD cameras, along with installing three more, will come before the development management committee next Wednesday.

It is also applying for listed building consent for the scheme at the historic site.

The authority confirmed it would deliver an upgraded system to improve security in and around the Town Hall complex.

But planning officers insist the works would not have a ‘detrimental impact upon the significance’ of the heritage assets.

In a statement, they added: “There would be less than substantial harm to the heritage assets or their setting.

“The limited harm arising from the proposal would be outweighed by securing the assets’ optimum viable use and protecting them from further damage and loss of historic fabric.

“Subject to the implementation of the scheme in accordance with the approved documents, it is considered that the proposal would ensure that the fabric of the listed structure is appropriately protected and would sustain the borough’s built heritage by preserving the structure and the features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses.

“The proposal would have no impact on the conservation area.”

The committee is recommended to approve the plans subject to conditions.