Plans to turn Bishop’s Stortford four-bedroom home into pottery studio

Ceramicist Kate Swann wants to convert a Bishop’s Stortford home into a pottery studio.

She has asked East Herts Council for permission to change the use of a four-bed property at Northgate End.

Chantry Community Association has backed objections from neighbours, telling the authority: “We agree with the residents of Yew Tree Place regarding their concerns about deliveries and parking. This is a residential area and not for manufacturing, and we support their objections.”

Ms Swann’s application notes: “The surrounding area is a mix of residential properties alongside some shops and services nearby, including a car dealership, new office premises, a young persons’ centre to the south and a barber’s opposite.

“Around 50 metres north there is a beauty salon, a beer shop and a pub. Northgate [End multi-storey] car park is within walking distance to the south east.”

Her plan is for a membership-based workspace for ceramic enthusiasts and artists.

She plans to offer structured lessons and small-group workshops to introduce pottery making to individuals looking for a new hobby and those wishing to improve their technique.

Facilities over two floors will include a workspace with pottery wheels, a hand-building area for sculpting and slab work, a glazing room, a small gallery/display area for finished ceramics, plus storage and office space.

A kiln room, with electric, smoke-free equipment, will be installed in the basement “with appropriate ventilation and fire safety measures”.

The current master bedroom and en-suite will be retained, along with main bathroom and kitchen access, for one member of staff on site.

It is anticipated that the studio will open from 10am to 9pm, Tuesdays to Fridays, and 10am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and be staffed by a full-time technician and two part-time employees.

All the classes and workshops will be pre-booked sessions with a maximum of 10 participants.

Despite neighbours' concerns, Hertfordshire County Council, the highways authority, has not objected to the application.

Bishop’s Stortford Town Council’s planning and development committee is expected to discuss the scheme on Monday (May 19).