Fight to save historic building in Bridgnorth continues

In the latest application Churchill Retirement Living wants to demolish Innage Lea and the related historical buildings on Innage Lane and build 49 retirement apartments.

This is an "alternative option", as the developers say they are "confident" that the appeal against Shropshire Council's decision to refuse the initial application for 55 retirement flats will be won when it is heard on July 17.

But Bridgnorth Civic Society has reiterated its opposition against the demolition of the buildings, despite Innage Lea being hit by an arson attack late last year.

Bridgnorth town councillor David Cooper, on behalf of Bridgnorth Civic Society, said that the initial application was refused because of the loss of Innage Lea, related historical buildings, and that the proposed flats were inappropriate for the location.

Councillor Cooper has previously said Innage Lea can be traced back to between 1830 and 1880, and it was originally the Apley Estate and the surveyor who lived there.

He has also said that a barn on the site dated back to 1800 and could potentially be medieval.

He said: "The previous scheme was rejected by Shropshire Council on two main grounds - that it involved the total loss of the historic fabric of Innage Lea and the related historical buildings, contrary to national and local policies, and that the proposed new buildings on the site were inappropriate for the location, which is adjacent to two conservation areas.

"Bridgnorth Civic Society has reiterated its opposition to the demolition of Innage Lea.

Councillor Cooper added that the developers should make use of the buildings in a way which preserves their appearance and character.

He said: "Our view is that developers should attempt to make use of such buildings in a way which preserves their appearance and character - for example, by incorporating them sympathetically into development proposals.

"This appears to be Shropshire Council’s position as well. Their evidence to the planning inspector conducting the appeal comments that whilst the fire damage will have increased the cost of bringing Innage Lea back into use, the damage is not irreparable and the outward character and appearance of the building could be restored using accepted conservation buildings materials and techniques.

"If the Inspector accepts Shropshire Council’s position on the retention of the historic buildings and the way they have applied the relevant policies it would be very difficult to see how either the original proposal or the new one could go ahead."

Group Land and Planning Director at Churchill Retirement Living, Andrew Burgess, said: "This is an alternative option but we remain confident that our appeal proposal is an acceptable high quality design, and will help meet the urgent need for more housing for older people in the Bridgnorth area.”