3. Site history

3.1 Planning history

In October 1988 a conditional permission was granted for the change of use of the public swimming baths into a training centre for the Construction Industry Training Board, which included the installation of two windows in the rear elevation at first floor level and provision for seven associated parking spaces. At this time the building was considered for 'spotlisting' by the Secretary of State, but refused.

In May 1989 a conditional permission was granted for an alteration to the east elevatian in Connection with the use of the small pool as a training area.

In January 2000, the Council refused permission for an advertisment consent to display an externally illuminated and static banner.

3.2 Listed Building status

Poplar Baths was listed as a grade II building in January 2001 and the English Heritagce Instpector's notes to the Secretary of State made reference to the fact that Poplar Baths was the first building to use the concept of the stepped rooflights to resolve the problem of daylighting large baths in an architectural way. These were supported on a reinforced concrete hyperbolic frame, a method which is said to have been extremely influential on a generation of public swimming baths erected in the 1930s.

The Inspector notes that the interior is exceptionally lavish in its decoration particularly in the entrance hall and stairs. its detailing being a very early example of the moderne style in Britain. The facilities are also described as lavish, with the structure of the Turkish

baths/vapour rooms surviving and the architectural space around the plunge pool described as 'splendid'.

The Inspector highlights the importance of drawing a distinction between the interior, which is noted as the chief interest of the building, and the exterior.

The Inspector notes that baths were recommended for listing because of their architectural quality and structural innovation and that these elements still survive. The loss of other baths and a greater understanding of the subject heightened the Inspector's confidence in its listability.

The decision precis of the English Heritage Inspector's Advice report states:

Public baths of 1932-4 by Harley Heckford, Borough Surveyor. Originally recommended in 1988 the building still retains its most important features a technically innovative roof structure and fine deco features. Subsequent swimming pool cases have shown this to be the pioneering public baths of the 1930s.

The statue of Richard Green, positioned in front of Poplar Baths is also a separately listed structure.

Poplar Baths front elevation (Architect & Building News 19 January 1934)

P O P L A R B A T H S P L A N N I N G B R I E F J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 3

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