What’s the one thing an architect needs to take to a planning committee meeting? Nerves of steel? An unflinching expression that says ‘trust me, I’m an architect’?
Or a cagoule?
Well if you happen to be in a planning committee meeting in Worchestershire then you’d better take the latter, according to the Worcester News.
Hapless architect Martin Timmins, of Martin Timmins Architects, was doused in water by parish councillor Graham Howard when his plans to build a four-bedroom house in a Worcestershire village were approved by Wychavon’s planning committee.
Why? Well, the offending development just happens to be under way next door to the splash-happy Hartlebury Parish councillor Graham Howard’s house — which also falls into the conservation area.
Reportedly the application had already provoked “vociferous” opposition, including a petition with more than 80 signatures against it. But alas, it was not enough and Wychavon District Council’s planning committee gave it the nod, sparking what was described as a “heat-of-the-moment” reaction from Howard.
Councillor Linda Robinson, chairman of the planning committee, spoke to Worcester News after the meeting and said:
“One of the neighbours objecting to the proposed development clearly wasn’t very happy with the decision and they were looking daggers at the architect who was sat down the chamber towards the door.
“The protesters got up to leave, one went towards the drinks machine and filled a tumbler with ice cold water.
“I thought ‘They’re having a drink before they leave’ but they turned on their heels and threw the water at him.”
Worcester News contacted the unlucky Timmins, who said he would not be taking any action and declined to comment further.
Here at News Junkie, we are left wonder whether this cautionary tale will see wetsuits trump the black turtleneck as the architect’s clothing of choice.
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