THE replacement floor of Chester's riverside bandstand at The Groves will enable the popular late 19th century feature to be used for its original purpose for many years to come, according to surveyors.
Hoole-based Hodkinson Mallinson Ltd drew up the application at the grade two listed bandstand, thought to date from 1880, when the poor condition of the floor, which was suffering from decay, led to the bandstand being considered unsafe and not fit for purpose.
The deterioration in the floor had largely been caused by contact with damp masonry and inadequate ventilation in the bandstand which is close to the river, they believed.
The work would strengthen the floor and separate it from contact with the damp masonry.
In addition ventilation would be built in.
Commenting on the application for listed building consent, sought by the borough council, planning officers said there was evidence of damp in the walls of the bandstand, particularly on the underside of the bandstand floor.
No objections to the proposed work were raised by the council's conservation specialists or by a range of conservation bodies including the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and the 19th Century Society.
The new floor would respect the character and appearance of the bandstand, planners believed and would have no adverse effect upon any features of special architectural or historic interest it possessed.
They recommended the application should be approved and the borough council agreed the replacement floor could have listed building consent.
