Plans to remove ageing balconies from an historic Hamilton building have been approved on the condition that a replacement balcony is installed within six months.

According to a planning application, filed earlier this year, Mayfair Ltd had sought permission to remove the cantilevered porch from 2 Reid Street because of safety concerns.

The property, which hosts P-Tech, was originally the home of the Phoenix Drug Store, which opened at the site in 1902.

While it was argued that the removal of the balconies was necessary as they had become unsafe, concerns were raised about changing the character of the building.

The Corporation of Hamilton requested that permission for the demolition only be granted on the condition that a new balcony is installed within six months.

The applicant responded by submitting revised drawings that proposed a smaller replacement porch which, unlike the original porch, would not stretch the full length of the building.

A report prepared for the Development Applications Board said: “The CoH reviewed these drawings and, in a letter dated July 11, noted that the building has had a progressive loss of historical character over time due to various modifications.

“However, ultimately, the CoH does not object to the proposed smaller porch.

“The Historic Buildings Advisory Committee reviewed the application and, in a memo dated July 23, noted that while the proposal will be a significant change to the exterior of the building, it will match the design and style of the original porch and the proposed shutters and pilaster detail are in keeping with the historic character of the area.

“The committee therefore recommended approval of the application.”

The Bermuda National Trust objected to the removal of the cantilevered porch without a proposed replacement. The charity also objected to the proposal for a reduced porch, stating that it would like the porch to be restored fully.

The report said: “The objector notes that the proposed porch would provide less shade and rain cover to pedestrians and shutters would be needed to the windows not covered by the porch.

“However, there are no policy requirements under the City Plan to retain balconies for shade and rain cover in this location and the majority of properties on Reid Street and Queen Street do not contain any such provision.

“In addition, it is unclear how the addition of shutters, a Bermudian feature which exist on other buildings near by, would detract from the appearance or character of the building.”

The Development Applications Board approved the application, with a condition that the replacement porch must be fully installed within six months of the building permit being issued.

The building, designed by Bermudian architect Edward Peniston for chemist Fredrick William Grantham, was erected in 1902.

Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, of the BNT, said the building was designed to take advantage of its location, with its main entrance on the corner.

“Mr Grantham’s new premises opened on the evening of November 29 so that the electric and acetylene gas lights lit up the corner and attracted large crowds,” they wrote.

“Mr Peniston designed an impressive building with three storeys and a tower. The wraparound verandas on the middle floor and the tower were the prominent features.

“The lower veranda was originally used as seating for customers of the soda fountain located on street level.

“The cantilevered veranda or balcony appears to have been the first of its type.”