Fury over plans to demolish historic Nuneaton pub

[dutchman]

A proposal to demolish an historic building in Nuneaton has been condemned as “cultural vandalism”.



Town-based company A.R. Cartwright has submitted a change of plan over the former Fox & Crane pub in Weddington Road, which used to be known as The Grove, and was once part of the ancient Weddington Castle estate.

Instead of converting the gable-fronted structure into flats, the builders now want to replace it with a modern apartment block, to stand in the centre of their new housing development, known as Grove Park.

Residents living nearby – including members of the action group SWORD (Save Weddington: Oppose the Residential Development) – are objecting to the scheme, which is to be considered by the borough council planning committee.

Local resident Rachel Brindley said: “I believe that the original planning application was granted on the understanding that The Grove would be saved.

"In fact, in response to significant local opposition, Cartwright’s stated specifically that ‘it is a lovely building and one that will be retained’.

“However, Cartwright’s have now gone back on their word for what seem to be purely financial reasons.

“If this is allowed to go through, it would be further insult to the people of Nuneaton and Bedworth and would represent an act of cultural vandalism.”

A spokesman for SWORD said: “The original planning application for The Grove site was justified by saving a building of historic interest.

“Why did the council not secure appropriate planning conditions that sought to have the former Fox & Crane pub redeveloped first before the housing was built?

“If they had, we would not be in the position we are in now.

“The council should be actively seeking to list this building and (safeguard) our cultural heritage for future generations.”

The change of plan has been defended by the builders.

Managing director Andrew Cartwright said: “There are many reasons for our recent submission to provide a complete new build alternative to the heart of our new homes development off Weddington Road.

“The foremost is to provide high levels of energy efficiency which we would not have been able to maintain using the existing building.

“We are proposing to replace the old building with a modern equivalent, designed to contain exactly the same number of apartments as the original scheme and to retain many of the original features, including the gable.

“Being sympathetic to the historic and new surroundings, the new apartment development will complement the new homes.”