A developer has insisted they are 'not milking' a set of historic Nottinghamshire almshouses despite a charity's worries over damage to the more than 300-year-old buildings. The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings has called on Broxtowe Borough Council to reconsider its decision to give consent to plans to create homes at the rear of the Grade II* Willoughby Almshouses in Cossall, prompting a defence of the project by the site's owner.
The almshouses were built in 1685 thanks to notable local George Willoughby of Wollaton Hall, who stipulated they should house four men and four women of the ‘deserving poor’, but have become disused and increasingly dilapidated. Matthew Slocombe, Director of the SPAB, said the plans to create four residential properties would significantly damage the historic appeal of the almshouses.
“Given the extent of change proposed to the building’s historic plan form and fabric, its front and rear elevations, and its setting, little would remain of its special interest were the proposals to be implemented," Mr Slocombe said.
