PLANS to refurbish a roof on a listed building look set for approval.

The proposals relate to Walton Hall, which is a Grade II listed site.

The borough council’s application for the site, off Walton Lea Road, will come before the development management committee at its meeting later today, Thursday.

The council-owned site is located within the green belt.

The proposal seeks listed building consent for the refurbishment of the roof.

Planning documents say, where possible, the refurbishment will involve the re-use of existing materials and it is expected that approximately 50 per cent of the existing slates can be re‐used.

Where the existing slates cannot be utilised, a close match will be used instead and Burlington Welsh slates are proposed for this.

The aim of the scheme is to ‘improve the water tightness’ of the roof in order to avoid damage to the ‘historical fabric’.

Outlining a summary of the key reasons for approval, a report to the committee highlights the need to refurbish the building to ensure that the building is watertight to prevent ‘water ingress damage’.

It also says concerns about the impact on bats in the building ‘can be dealt with under other legislation and will be the subject of an informative’.

A statement in the report said: “The proposed works to this Grade II listed building are essential repair and maintenance works to ensure the building is watertight which in turn assures the long-term condition and viability of this historic asset of the highest importance.

“Re‐use of original materials will be the primary consideration wherever possible.

“Where that is not possible, like for like traditional materials will be used. A new thin under roof insulation system will be installed but will have no discernible impact on the historic asset.”

The scheme is recommended for approval subject to conditions.