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Concern over heritage site
THE future of one of Fleetwood's most historic sites is hanging in the balance.
A crumbling building on Dock Street once occupied by 19th Century architect Decimus Burton must come down because of its poor condition.
But hopes that a replica building will rise in its place have been thrown into doubt.
Builders C&C Property Development have said they will erect a building with a neo-classical facade to match the rest of the block.
But other parts of their scheme could fall foul of the planners.
The rebuilding plan, for 25 sheltered accommodation flats, will come before Wyre Council's planning committee next Monday and officers are recommending it is turned down.
They say balconies planned for the rear would overlook homes in adjacent Warren Street and one of the new flats would look out on to a brick wall only a metre away.
The officer's report describes the rear as "totally unacceptable".
It adds: "This concern has been brought to the attention of the applicant and his architect, but officers have not received any revised plans."
However it also says: "The re-building in the design of the original building is strongly supported as it is of historic importance.
"It is almost certainly part of a terrace designed by Decimus Burton and there is evidence to suggest that the property was let to him in 1841 as an office.
"The terrace was one of the first to be built as part of the planned town of Fleetwood."
English Heritage has inspected the existing building and said it cannot be saved. At the same planning committee permission will be sought to demolish it.
As well as 25 studio-type apartments, the proposed re-development would contain a manager's flat and communal facilities.
Burton designed some of Fleetwood's finest buildings such as Queen's Terrace and the North Euston Hotel.
The building was last used in the 1990s as the Ivy Tree Cafe.
No-one from C&C Developments was available for comment.
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Monday 13 February 2012
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