Art school approved despite objections

The brick building will be predominantly glass-fronted with a curved facade and with a lead coloured metal roof.

It will be built on land between Mount House and Hatto's hairdressers and the old music school will be demolished as will storage buildings.

Two objectors spoke against the college's planning application when it was discussed by Kennet District Council's regulatory committee last Thursday.

Dr Richard Clapp, chairman of Marlborough Civic Society, said the design of the building was inappropriate in the town's conservation area and urged the committee to reject the application.

High Street resident Martin Stevenson said: "The design is completely out of character with existing buildings.

"Marlborough is a historic town. I urge the committee to reject it and challenge the architects to think again and find a plan that is sympathetic to the area and its inhabitants."

Kennet planning officers said the design of the building was "bold and contemporary" but did not detract from the area.

Coun Tony Skittrall said: "I am not against a contemporary building but I do feel it's the wrong building for this site. The college could have used more traditional materials in the design rather than so much glass. It would be a very dominant building."

But other councillors welcomed the design.

Coun Rosemary Cummins said: "It's exciting to have something that lifts Marlborough out of a certain period.

"The building will give variety and a little bit of 'oomph' to a town which could sink into an image of an old English and market town which is not living or moving ahead.

"The building will move it into the 21st century and I think that is good."

Coun Skittrall and fellow Marlborough councillor Bill Cavill were the only two councillors to vote against the planning application.

The new music school will comprise six studios, a lecture theatre, library, computer room, darkroom, staff room and stores.