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THE GROVE / FOX
& CRANE On 1st November 2011 AR Cartwrights applied to demolish the historic Grove building in Weddington (formerly the much-loved Fox & Crane). Cartwrights had formerly stated that they would retain this important local building. AT THE PLANNING MEETING ON 21 DECEMBER 2011 NBBC PLANNING COMMITTEE VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO REFUSE THE DEMOLITION! However, this building still remains at threat. AR Cartwights, are letting it fall into disrepair - with certain sections to the rear being left open to the elements. A number of you contacted us with your concerns and as reported in the last SWORD Newsletter we have continued to try to establish a dialogue with NBBC about the seriously derelict state of this historic, locally listed, building.We have been in constant touch with NBBC on this, although it has not been an easy process to get answers on this. Andrew Collinson, NBBC Planning Officer stated on 29th March to us that "Cartwrights stated that if anyone (members of the public) did want to discuss the building they could and would be happy to speak to any members of the public about concerns," and that he was meeting with them during the week starting 10th April. However, when we emailed to ask to attend this meeting we were met with a message stating that Mr Collinson was away until 10th April! On pressing this further, we were also informed that Cartwrights as a business were closed all of that week, so no meeting could possibly have been arranged for then. Finally, Mr Collinson replied to our request on 12th April, stating that "meetings require mutual agreement I have asked Cartwright's whether you can attend and they have declined this request." SWORD have been vocal about safeguarding the Fox and Crane as part of Weddington's cultural heritage which need saving. It is a regret that Cartwrights have failed to respond to our request for a meeting. However, we have now had confirmation from Andrew Collinson at NBBC, that an enforcement order has been issued to Cartwrights to the following effect: "Enforcement number 12363 – Untidy building
"This will initially ensure that the building will not deteriorate from its current state." As of Thursday 3rd May, scaffolding HAS been erected at the rear of the building; however SWORD will continue to monitor compliance with the above, as well as pushing for the building to be refurbished and developed as per the original planning application... W e will keep you updated, but in the meantime PLEASE to write to express your concerns to:Andrew Collinson, NBBC Planning Officer, Telephone: 024 7637 6376 Email: andrew.collinson@nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk Cartwrights Homes at Vicarage Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV114AZ. Telephone: 024 7638 5912, Email: enquiries@cartwrighthomes.co.uk AND - just as importantly - the local press at: editorial@nuneaton-news.co.uk and news@coventrytelegraph.net. See the state of the Fox & Crane here. You can read about the history of this building and see a photo gallery at: www.weddingtongrove.co.uk
READ SWORD'S STATEMENT ON THE DECISION TO REFUSE DEMOLITION HERERead the Council's document recommending refusal here. Read 'Nuneaton News' front page article on the decision (27/12/11) here.
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STILL AT THREAT
"I
have spoken to Cartwrights and they intend to carry out a schedule of works to
the building and hope to start these by the end of this week (w/e 4th
May 2012). They hope to complete these as soon as possible weather permitting.
This will entail initially putting scaffolding up and securing the rear part of
the building from the elements. They also intend to board up broken windows and
ensure other parts of the roof are kept watertight where tiles have slipped.
