Last updated at 10:02, Monday, 04 May 2015
An historic home that has fallen into disrepair is a step closer to being demolished.
The final decision on whether to tear down the Grade-II listed Suttle House, off Wigton Road, in Carlisle lies with Government officials, after city councillors gave the go-ahead.
The Georgian building was ravaged by a fire in March, leaving it in a state of serious disrepair.
The owners of the house, Durham-based ESH Developments, applied to the city council asking them to approve its demolition. The plans were passed during a meeting of the authority’s development control committee.
Planning officers said the condition of the empty building has deteriorated over time, making it “progressively unattractive” to investment.
A report stated the site is surrounded on three sides by housing developments and demolition would allow for redevelopment of the land.
There is a plan to put up to 29 homes on the site.
Members of the committee were embroiled in a lengthy debate about whether of not they should allow the building to be torn down.
Upperby ward councillor Ann Warwick said: “I think there’s nothing nicer than old buildings with newer buildings. I think it would be brought back to life with new houses around it.
“But this is getting tattier and tattier. I drive past and it looks so grotty and dirty. I feel for the people who have to live around it. I’m reluctantly going along with the demolition.”
Ray Bloxham, who represents Longtown and Rockliffe, said he did not believe any committee member wanted the building to be demolished, but it had been a “blight on the landscape”.
Michael Gee, the Liberal Democrat who represents Dalston, said: “I feel the practical common sense way to deal with it is to allow the application for demolition and lets get it built up for the families that need it.The decision was not a unanimous. Four members voted for the building not to be torn down.
Donald Cape, who represents Upperby, said: “I don’t think we are past the tipping point. I think we should do everything we can to preserve this building. I will be voting against this.”
In agreement was Stanwix councillor Paul Nedved, who said: “These properties are easily lost. This cannot be replicated again. I think we should do everything we can to retain this property.”
Mr Nedved added that he however could see the need for development on the site. Documents seen by councillors revealed the history of the house, with a building on the site mentioned in a map of Carlisle in 1746. The house is recorded on a map of 1823. where it appears set back from the road at the end of a long roadway.
Objections to the demolition plan came from four neighbours and groups including English Heritage. Twelve letters supporting the demolition have were also received from people living nearby.
First published at 10:01, Monday, 04 May 2015
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk