LISTED building consent was granted for an improvement to the appearance of part of Chester’s historic rows.
The application was put forward at 10 Watergate Row North and 12 Watergate Street by Harper Collins Publishers Ltd.
Planning officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council were told consent was being sought to reclad the stall and walkway in front of 10 Watergate Street Row which provides pedestrian access to upper level premises.
The row, set in the city centre conservation area, is Grade II listed, according to a report.
The work would include resurfacing the walk way and the stall riser with timber boarding.
The proposal to replace existing ceramic tiles was supported by conservation specialists at the council who said the change would result in a more traditional appearance for that part of the historic row.
Agents BNP Parabas Real Estate said the existing tiles were poor quality.
They argued they detracted from the setting of the listed row.
The timber cladding would be in keeping with the character of the row and would reflect similar work carried out elsewhere in the city centre, they suggested.
The application was recommended for approval and the council agreed that listed building consent could be granted for the change.
