Updated plans for the demolition of Wellingborough Cottage Hospital as public continue to object to new apartments
Renewed plans to demolish Southwood House, otherwise known as Wellingborough Cottage Hospital, have been submitted, though the proposal has still not gone down well with local residents.
If approved, the existing building would be demolished to make way for a new apartment complex, which would house 26 new dwellings aimed at people over the age of 55.
A passage from the planning document reads: “The vision of the plan is to develop north Northamptonshire into a sustainable green living area, taking advantage of excellent strategic transportation connectivity. Specifically, the vision for the historic heart of Wellingborough is to cater to the needs of the community and its environs.”
It goes on to say: “The proposal seeks to create a secure and safe environment with clear distinction between private and semi-public spaces and protected footpaths. Moreover, the design of the green spaces ensures an attractive and functional space for the future residents, while also demonstrating sensitivity to the surroundings and promoting the protection of the natural resources.”
Following an initial proposal in March, the arboricultural impact assessment and its supporting tree protection plan were revised, as well as the parking arrangements amended to provide sufficient space for the proposed hedge, shrubs and existing trees.
In the interests of tree protection and visual amenity, a document notes that no development above ground level shall take place until an arboricultural method statement for the site has been submitted to – and approved in writing by - the local planning authority.
However, comments on the proposal have criticised the proposal, insisting that the current building should be preserved due to their historic nature. As of today (October 8), 86 objections have been lodged, with just one comment supporting the proposal.
One comment said: “I left a comment some months ago but the council has invited me to comment again, presumably in light of the developer's latest glossy brochures.
"Their pictures of local buildings and different interpretation of experts' reports previously submitted makes no difference at all to my basic objection which is that this historic building, created by public subscription for the people of this town should not and must not be demolished. “Wellingborough is blessed with several important and historic buildings, where similar structures in other towns were swept away decades ago. These are our unique selling point, without which we are just another boring town like many others.
"We could be proud of our heritage and use it to promote Wellingborough, making it more like Olney, Stony Stratford, Brackley or others I could mention. If this and other historical buildings are demolished we have nothing at all to be proud of - nothing.”
Another added: “As a person born and raised in Wellingborough I hate the thought that yet another character property will be demolished in favour of usually, poor quality modern structure. The old cottage hospital building opposite the old Boys Grammar School has complimented the other. Wellingborough needs to keep its heritage buildings, and rebuild the character it once had as a lovely market town.”
The plans indicate, however, that the significance of its ‘architectural interest’ has diminished over time, as it says later extensions to the site have ‘masked original fabric and diluted the original plan form of the hospital.’
Other comments published this month have said the current site holds a ‘significant’ and ‘lovely building full of character’, and the new designs are ‘not in keeping with surrounding architecture.’ Another believes the new development ‘isn't being built sympathetically to the existing structure.’
View the updated plans here.