10 Sep 2025
The owners of an award-winning St Albans hair salon are celebrating winning their appeal to open up a blocked doorway and link their adjacent properties.
Marc and Sophie Trinder, directors of Trinder Hair Studios in George Street, wanted to restore the door which once connected numbers 21-22 so customers using their waiting room wouldn’t have to go outside to enter the salon.
Because the 16th century buildings are Grade II listed and within the Conservation Area, St Albans district council rejected their applications on the grounds that it would damage the buildings.
In a statement, SADC said: ‘The proposed development, by reason of the loss of historic fabric from its original location and the disruption to the historic plan form of the buildings would result in less than substantial harm to the special historic and architectural interest of the buildings. The harm caused would not be outweighed by public benefits.”
The application went to appeal, with a planning inspector identifying the historic opening between the two properties, and deciding that restoring the doorway would cause no damage to the historic nature of the buildings.
The inspector stated: “It is not clear when this opening existed or when it was infilled. The appellant suggests that for some of the time the buildings were in the same ownership and operated as a furniture dealer.
“However, whilst the opening may or may not have been present at the date of listing, the crucial matter is whether forming the doorway in this location would have any detrimental effect on the special interest and significance of the listed buildings.
“In this case, the fact that in all probability a door opening previously existed means that intervention within the buildings would be minimal.
“There is little evidence to suggest that the infill brickwork is particularly historic, and it does not appear unusual or particularly special or distinctive in any way. Nor is there any adequate suggestion that the works would disturb any early timber framing.
“Furthermore, this would be a relatively discrete doorway between the properties and the overall historic floorplan of each would remain clearly legible. It would not in any way confuse the understanding of these two buildings as separate entities. The opening could also be infilled in the future should it return to two separate units.
“Therefore, taking all matters raised into account, the works would cause no harm to the two Grade II listed buildings and their features of special architectural or historic interest, and their significance as heritage assets would be preserved.”
The Trinders have promised to do everything in their power to ensure reopening the doorway does not damage either property, and a condition of the appeal decision is that details of the new opening are agreed with SADC before work commences.
They have also promised to store the bricks so they can be reused when they eventually vacate the premises.
They told the St Albans Times: “We are so thrilled to win our appeal. We have been trying to grant permission for two and a half years. This is such great news as without this connection we were restricted in terms of growth. Being able to expand our business and continue to employ local people means we can fulfil our demand and create careers, especially for new apprenticeships.
“Our clients have been extremely patient walking in and out of two units, so we want to thank them for that and we are very excited to bring a new flow and energy to the salon experience, whilst respecting the age and character of these historic sites.”
Professor Tim Boatswain, chair of Conservation 50, added: “Back in the summer of 2024, I was asked by Marc Trinder if I could give my opinion on his application to reopen a walled-up doorway between 21 and 22 George Street. It was my view that the blocked doorway was 20th-century work and the reopening of the doorway would do no material damage to the historic fabric of the building. I was surprised by the decision of the council to deny the Listed Building Consent application not once but twice.
“I am pleased for Marc and Sophie Trinder that the Inspectorate has ruled in their favour and there is a recognition that reopening the doorway will cause no material damage or harm to the ‘public benefit’. I think it also demonstrates to me the importance of recognising that historic buildings need a modern purpose for them to be properly conserved.”
