A HAMPSHIRE museum that boasts "nationally important" structures has been given the go-ahead to replace an asbestos roof that has started to deteriorate.
Civic chiefs have approved plans submitted by the Grade II-listed Bursledon Brickworks Museum, which wants to upgrade a building that houses a historic kiln.
The application said the work would ensure the building "can be viewed safely by volunteers and the public".
A heritage statement that accompanied the proposal said: "Bursledon Brickworks are unique in being the only remaining steam-driven brickworks in the UK.
"They helped revolutionise the process of brickmaking. Not only was the manufacture of bricks mechanised but they also patented a method of drying bricks which meant large quantities could be manufactured all year round."
The brickworks, at Coal Park Lane, Swanwick, were established by the Ashby family in the late 1890s.
Demand soared as people living in the countryside migrated to Southampton and other cities, sparking a building boom, and at one stage the site was producing 20 million bricks a year.
The application has been approved by Fareham Borough Council.
Describing the buildings as nationally important, a council report said the museum aimed to replace the kiln's asbestos roof with corrugated fibre cement sheeting and translucent roof lights.
READ MORE: Plan to replace drying sheds at Bursledon Brickworks Museum
The report added: "As the existing roof is not the original, this will not impact the special architectural and historic significance of the building."
Historic England supported the proposal on the grounds it would ensure the long-term survival of the building.
The report said the National Planning Policy Framework stressed that councils considering applications should consider the need to sustain and enhance the significance of heritage assets.
It added: "The covering will replace modern asbestos sheeting with a new roof more in keeping with the industrial history of the site.
"The roof lights will allow more light into the historic kiln structure and will not detract from the special architectural interest of the building.
READ MORE: Duke of Gloucester visits Bursledon Brickworks Museum
"As the existing roof is relatively modern, the proposals will not require the removal of any historic features or fabric.
"The proposed works would preserve the special architectural and historic interest of the Grade II-listed building. There will be no unacceptable or adverse impact on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers."
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