At the South Kesteven District Council's
Development Control meeting on 18th November the decision was made to allow the
demolition of the Shirley Croft Hotel. It was built in 1865 by
Grantham engineering entrepreneur Richard Hornsby and wartime officers mess for
the men of USAF Troop Carriers who went onto fight in D-Day. A loop hole in
planning regulations, which allows an Application for Demolition to over ride
the outcome of a Development Control committee, meant there were few options
available to the committee. The option to put a stay on demolition to apply for
Listed status for the Shirley Croft would have resulted in compensatory payments
to the developer should the Listed Building application fail. Despite nearly
fifty letters of objection, including contact from the Grantham Civic
Society and only one supporting the proposed development the demolition of
Shirley Croft Hotel will now go ahead.
Councillor Charmaine Morgan said "This is a sad day
for Grantham. We have lost another valuable local building. We also objected on
the grounds that the development proposed was over intensive. At least we
managed to persuade the committee to alter the proposed design to be more
acceptable for neighbouring residents. Officers have asked the developer to
include some parts of the Shirley Croft Hotel within the building of the new
houses and existing trees along Harrowby Road are to be retained.
However the news has prompted local people to work
together to save other buildings and trees at risk in town. Councillor Morgan is
now working with local residents, and conservation groups to identify other
buildings which are unprotected at the present, local trees which could have
tree preservation orders. She is requesting a list of all existing protected
sites and trees from South Kesteven District Council and proposes that the
council complete a Conservation Area Assessment to significantly extend the
number of Conservation Areas in Grantham. She is also writing to Eric
Pickles requesting the closure of the loop holes which leave buildings of local
interest unprotected.
Cllr Charmaine Morgan is inviting local residents
interested in helping with the work to help save Grantham's heritage to contact
her on 01476 574748 or email charmaine725@btinternet.com.
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