Heavily-criticised plans to built homes around a Victorian cottage have been shelved temporarily. Residents had argued the derelict cottage, which dates back to 1847, could become an "attraction" if handled properly and so continuously opposed the plans.
The long-running saga concerning Fishpond Cottage in Ilkeston Road, Bramcote, began when plans were submitted to tear it down and make way for a number of new homes. However following a consultation in September 2020, the plans were altered.
Planning permission was eventually granted by Broxtowe Borough Council to build three homes and two apartments around the cottage on the site, rather than in its place. However in an update as of August this year the council says the proposals have been put on hold.
The Victorian cottage dates back to the 1800s, and was first recorded as being built in or around 1847. It stood as the property of John Sherwin, the Lord of the Manor and resident at Bramcote Hills House, which was built around 1805 and is regarded as "the most beautiful private home" in the village.
Broxtowe Borough Council said the cottage however required major refurbishment and is in a state of disrepair. As such the authority said it could not justify the "substantial financial investment" required to uphold the site.
A Broxtowe Borough Council spokeswoman says: "At the last cabinet meeting on July 19, cabinet agreed to put the scheme on hold and review in 12 months’ time. This was down to the rapid increase in construction costs and it was considered that not all items represented value for money."
Opposition campaigner and resident Barry Johnson has for years spoken out against the proposals. He says the rigmarole has been "idiocy" on the part of the council.
"All I know is that they eventually abandoned the decision even when they were supposed to start work in September," he says. "We hope that, A, they would not build anything and refurbish it, or B, if not, we could accept the two bungalows that were first proposed.
"What got locals' backs up was that they wanted to demolish it and built five homes in its place. The Government is saying if the council does not come up with its housing targets for the area it will step in, but are they saying those five homes would make a big difference?
"We all think locally it is an asset to the area and we think it could be an attraction if handled correctly."
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