New bid for housing on site of court
Monday 7th September 2009, 1:03PM BST.
Controversial moves by a Shropshire town council to demolish a former magistrates’ court building and build four homes could be thrown out by planning chiefs.
The proposals for the 166-year-old building in Shifnal have sparked objections from residents and a 1,028-signature petition.
The town council wants to knock down the old courthouse in Shrewsbury Road to make way for two semi-detached two-bedroom homes and two two-bedroom homes.
Members of Shropshire Council’s area regulatory committee - South (Bridgnorth) – are being recommended to refuse the plans at tomorrow’s meeting.
A decision on whether to demolish the building will depend on whether the homes are allowed.
A report to the meeting says: “The former magistrates’ court, originally a Baptist chapel, is a building of historic interest which is integral to the social history of Shifnal and makes a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area.”
Two previous applications to demolish the building, which is described as being part of the social history of Shifnal, have already been refused. The town council, which made a failed bid for Heritage Lottery Funding, says it is uneconomical to repair.
But the report says despite there being wide cracks in the building there is no suggestion the repairs could not be carried out.
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