Councillor calls demolition of historic building an act of ‘Municipal Vandalism’.

 

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor Brian Silvester  is angry that developers have been given permission to knock down one of the few historic buildings in Willaston.

Brian said, “I am furious that plans to demolish a the historic village pub were pushed through, despite a Council Conservation Officer’s recommendation to save it.(See below) The Conservative, Labour and Independent members of the Planning Committee voted unanimously to have it demolished.

The owners of The Horse Shoe Inn, on Newcastle Road, Willaston applied to knock the closed pub down to make way for potential housing on the site.

I campaigned with the Parish Council to save the building from demolition and I gained some reassurance from Cheshire East Council’s Conservation Officer, who stated it would be viewed as an “undesignated heritage asset”.

This meant officers asked developers to consider amending the plan to retain the building within the scheme.

I am afraid that despite my best efforts this plan was passed. It is very sad, more history has been lost to the bulldozer.

I am very angry. Nobody was against the principle of residential development, but the pub could have been converted to residential. It’s a great shame.

Both myself and the Parish Council felt strongly that it would be criminal to allow one of the few historic buildings in Willaston to be demolished.

The building is one of the oldest in the village and the plot formed part of the Manor and Lordship of Willaston, owned by Ralph Sneyd.

After his death in 1793 the estate passed to his son who then leased the dwelling house, blacksmith shop and premises to Henry Collier.

He then sold the premises to Henry Collier in 1861.

Even at this late stage I would urge the owners, Robinsons, to reconsider and save the building for the village and for posterity.”

Cllr Brian Silvester BA (Hons)

Leader of the UK Independence Party Group

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor

Cheshire East Council

11 Rimsdale Close

Rope,Crewe

CW2 6RS

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Text     07760147609

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