Victorian villa in Cleethorpes will not be demolished to make way for Iceland store
A HISTORIC Victorian villa in the heart of Cleethorpes has been saved from demolition.
Controversial plans to knock down the former Wilkin Chapman building on St Peter’s Avenue and replace it with a new Iceland food store have been rejected by the Planning Inspectorate.
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‘Attractive property’: The former Wilkin Chapman Grange premises in St Peter’s Avenue, Cleethorpes.
The application by landowner Maligues Properties Ltd was initially rejected by North East Lincolnshire’s Planning Committee last August, prompting the company to appeal.
Inspector Karen Baker upheld the council’s decision, concluding that the proposed development would “harm the character and appearance of the area”.
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In her report, she described the existing red-brick building as “an attractive property” which has a “strong, positive presence in the streetscene that is reflective of local history and character”.
By contrast, she said the proposed retail building would appear “prominent and visually obtrusive”.
The decision has been welcomed by Cleethorpes councillors and residents who have campaigned to save the building from demolition.
The historic villa has been included on a draft Local List of Historic Assets of Special Interest for Cleethorpes, and is also the subject of an Article 4 Direction, which prevents it from being demolished without planning permission.
Councillor Keith Brookes (Con, Haverstoe) said: “This is excellent news for Cleethorpes.
“Over the years in North East Lincolnshire we have demolished so many historic buildings, so it is nice for once to have saved something and I hope the people will appreciate it.
“It is really up to Iceland now to decide whether or not to accommodate their store in the present property.”
Councillor Matthew Brown (Lab, Croft Baker) said: “Heritage in North East Lincolnshire is very important and it is vital that the roots of an area are not lost whilst we move with the times.
“This building is an example of one of the last remaining Victorian villas.
“One potential use could be a youth hostel for travellers and tourists. It would also make a nice location for a doctor’s surgery or a restaurant.”
Barry Waby, chairman of Cleethorpes Renaissance Town Team, said: “It would have been a shame to lose this building which is a focal point of the street.”
Jason Longhurst, head of development at North East Lincolnshire Council, added: “We will always promote sustainable developments which enhance the character of our area, and which support the growth of our economy and job creation.
“But it is important that we resist schemes where the benefits do not outweigh the harm to the places we live, work and visit. I would encourage the developers to come and speak to us again about how we can see this building brought back into use, or to hear what other ideas they might have for the site.”
Mason Partners, the agent acting on behalf of Maligues Properties Ltd, was unavailable for comment.
10 Comments
by Hallcross
Wednesday, February 20 2013, 4:15PM
“The old Market Hotel on Cromwell Road is now a Tesco store, they have utilised the old historic building, why cant Iceland do the same ?
Do they need such garish exteriors as their existing stores ?”
by chezclee
Wednesday, January 30 2013, 11:44PM
“in keeping . . . you mean like Boots, or TSB or BHF furniture store . . .”
by chez7
Wednesday, January 30 2013, 11:35PM
“by TomMussel
Wednesday, January 30 2013, 8:24PM
.
"wasn't Brookes deputy leader of the council when the Winter Gardens was knocked down? Typical hypocritical Tory
Well said he is a fool and should stand down”
by christine313
Wednesday, January 30 2013, 10:11PM
“Have a look at Saxon House down St Peters Avenue- just past the Church by the mini roundabout. Looks really good- in keeping with the Avenues character. Could this building be
developed in the same way ??”
by TomMussel
Wednesday, January 30 2013, 8:24PM
“wasn't Brookes deputy leader of the council when the Winter Gardens was knocked down? Typical hypocritical Tory.”
by Wolla247
Wednesday, January 30 2013, 7:38PM
“So basically, it will now be subject to vandalism until they have to pay a company to knock it down for its own safety? Nice move! Come on be real, times change, a new store would be great down there, provide new jobs, help the suppliers and brings more people to the area, keeping a old building there will provide none of that. Iceland am on your side :)”
by kittycloe
Wednesday, January 30 2013, 11:18AM
“Thank you Telegraph for removing my comments, I wonder how long it will be before you are down to one edition a week, due to people not buying your paper”
by kittycloe
Wednesday, January 30 2013, 11:13AM
“Just a little bit to late to start saving Heritiage in the area now, what you had and what you have pulled down, Shamefull,
Never mind soon replace it with "White Concrete Boxes"”
by labourladie
Wednesday, January 30 2013, 10:04AM
“Unavailable for comments! The building is safe for now, but for how long?”
by eye_eye
Wednesday, January 30 2013, 9:17AM
“so why can't Iceland integrate the existing building into their new stop, like the Co-op did in Caistor with the old Talbot Inn and another supermarket did in Woodhall Spa.”