CAMPAIGNERS are urging residents to speak out against development plans which they say could see “history wiped out by a wrecking ball”.

Kimberley’s brewery site has been earmarked for development and plans for 130 homes and apartments on the site have now been submitted.

But locals have raised concerns that some of the site’s most significant parts will be demolished.

The Save Our Brewery Site (SOBS) group is particularly concerned about plans to demolish one of the former brewery’s maltings and are encouraging people to speak up during the ongoing consultation period.

SOBS leader Darren Warner said: “We are just digesting the new plans. We have some concerns over some of the demolitions particularly the maltings.

“I understand from the developers’ points of view but they are applying to demolish a listed building, so we do have concerns about that.

“It’s designated for its historic context for the area and it’s been listed because it has national interest.”

He added: “Aesthetically you can see straight away it’s an historic site and it’s interesting to look at and very beautiful. For Kimberley it’s very important for our identity and sense of place. We’re very proud of the fact that we’ve got our own identity.”

Joanna Cooke is another member of the group. She said: “It would be a travesty if this history is wiped out by a wrecking ball.

“Whilst we support the redevelopment of the site and many of the recent plans presented by the developers, we feel they have not fully explored the potential of converting these listed buildings to make good use of them and avoid demolition.

“Local people need to make a stand and send a clear message to planning committee members at Broxtowe Borough Council that the loss of the listed buildings is unnecessary and is a tragedy for Kimberley.

“In other areas of the county historic industrial buildings have been conserved and put to a new use and these unique buildings deserve the same treatment.”

Broxtowe Borough Council has started a 14 day consultation on the application, which ends on Friday, August 1.

AMFAAH Investments and Metis Developments Ltd have submitted the application, which is part of a wider plan to create 130 houses and apartments on the site.

And while community group SOBS say they support the site’s redevelopment they also raise “serious concerns” about the loss of the listed buildings, particularly one of the maltings.

A statement from planners Metis Developments said: “Over the last six months we have been working very closely with council Planning Officers and the long term conservation of historic buildings has been paramount in our discussions. The conversion of historic buildings has been fully explored with the iconic tower, first malting and office building (which includes the bridge link) being converted into high quality residential apartments.

“We are trying to create a vibrant residential area for Kimberley which includes the conversion of the more historically important first malting into apartments for young people. The two maltings run parallel to each other and due to building regulations relating to privacy as well as the need for natural light, it is impossible to keep both. The benefits are far greater as we will save the better of the two maltings and display the building to everyone so that it can be fully appreciated.

“We have spoken to the people of Kimberley on many occasions including two public consultation events, where we received overwhelming support for the plans. We really believe this will be a fantastic regeneration for the brewery and an asset to Kimberley.”

Existing buildings on the site date from between 1861 and 1875 and were awarded English Heritage Status in 2006 following a campaign.

The brewery was originally operated by Hardy Hansons but was sold to Greene King and closed in 2006.

People can view the plans and have their say at www.broxtowe.gov.uk or by going to the council offices in Beeston.

What do you think of the plans? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com