Derelict Shrewsbury site 'vital' to town
The importance of a derelict building in the heart of Shrewsbury can not be overstated, a public inquiry has heard.
The Stew, in Frankwell, is of social and conservational importance and did not deserve to be demolished, expert witness Richard Morriss told the seventh day of a hearing into the building's future.
Plans have been put forward by developer Gareth Leese to demolish the building and replace it with a boutique hotel and spa.
However, Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Civic Society say the plans would result in the loss of one of the town's heritage assets.
Mr Morriss compared the rundown building, which dates back to the 18th century, to the town's timber-framed Rowley's House and Mansion, saying that it "contributed to the row of buildings in Frankwell. It is part of the development of Frankwell. It is probably more significant because of the loss of the buildings from the area".
The entire area is important archaeologically, he said, adding: "Frankwell has landmark status because of the maltings and the river."
Under cross examination by Mr Niall Blackie, for the developer, Mr Morriss, who has written several books on the history of Shrewsbury and its buildings, said that the importance of The Stew was due to its role in the establishment of the river trade.
He said: "To say that everything went by the river then went by road is slightly misleading. Most of the trade went by stage wagons and the goods were collected from the quays and wharfs." Mr Blackie asked Mr Morriss why, in a book he had written about the town's historic buildings, had he failed to mention The Stew.
He replied: "Shrewsbury has over 800 listed buildings and the same again that are of interest. When I wrote the book The Stew was not a building that you could see easily. Not including The Stew in the book is not relevant at all."
Mr Blackie then accused Mr Morriss of failing to have any objectivity about the proposed scheme. Mr Morriss replied: "I am 100 per cent confident of my objectivity and I would not compromise on my integrity."
Mr Blackie said that just because a building was of landmark importance didn't mean it should be listed.
But Mr Morriss said: "The Stew in its present form is an echo of Rowley's House and Mansion. It makes a contribution to this part of Shrewsbury." The hearing was adjourned until July 9.
