Published on Tue Feb 08 06:47:56 GMT 2011
A ROW has broken out over plans for new houses on the site of Lynn’s old coastguard station.
Opponents of the proposals for The Lodge, Cross Bank Road say approval would mean a unique structure being lost forever.
But local history groups say there is no evidence the building has any historical significance.
An application to demolish the Lodge to make way for three new homes has been submitted by applicant Neil Lake.
A decision is due to be made in the next couple of weeks.
Mr Lake’s agent, James Lewis, said they had had extensive talks with planning officers over the scheme. Mr Lewis said: “He hopes that this application will be judged upon its own merits, irrespective of any previous history within the area.”
But neighbouring resident Malcolm Kettlewell said the building, which he believes is a former chapel, is unique because of its treble brick construction.
He said the station had been built in 1883 and was decommisioned in 1926.
He and other nearby residents feel a significant part of the town’s history would be lost forever if the plans are approved.
And he said he had “no faith” in council planning officers, following their decision to approve plans to subdivide a nearby building, 6 St Edmunds Terrace, into two properties last summer.
He added: “We are powerless, absolutely powerless.”
He also claimed the Lodge has Listed status.
But Lynn Civic Society chairman Alison Gifford said there was no reason for them to object to demolition as the building was “a long way” from Listed status.
She said the site had been assessed by English Heritage who had opposed listing.
“If a building is not listed, is not in a conservation area and of no architectural value then it is very difficult to oppose demolition.”
She added they had no evidence the building had been used as a chapel.
A West Norfolk Council spokesman said the impact on neighbouring properties would be taken into account when the application is considered.
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