FOLLOWING two lead thefts at the Old Bishop’s Palace in Ely, its owners the King’s School has applied for planning permission to erect seven CCTV cameras to protect the historic 500 year old building.
In the school’s planning application to East Cambridgeshire District Council, it says: “The aim of the proposal is to preserve the architectural features of the building by protecting them from the vandalism which occurs during a lead theft. The cameras are to be black to avoid a visual clash with the red brick.”
The school – which is currently refurbishing the imposing Grade I listed building on Palace Green – says the cameras are necessary “to deter and catch the criminals responsible in order to protect the building.”
According to the application, the cameras will be carefully placed “to provide the optimum coverage without impacting on the appearance of the building.
“The proposals will be to the long term benefit of the structure as it will be better protected from lead theft. This will help to preserve the elements of significance, allowing many more generations to enjoy the building and its surroundings.”
Anyone wanting to comment on the application must make representations to East Cambridgeshire District Council by March 26.
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