'Don't pull down Courtman House ' plea

10:04am Friday 16th May 2008

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PLANS to demolish an important Chelmsford building would result in a "devastating loss to the area" an inquiry has been told.

The statement was made at an appeal against Chelmsford Council's refusal to allow the pulling down of Courtman House in Maltese Road and to build 12 flats in its place.

The building was designed by Chelmsford architect Frank Whitmore and built in 1885.

Although it is not listed, Michael Hurst - the council's conservation officer - told the inquiry it was planned to be included on a list of buildings of local interest now being drafted by the council.

The council did approve an application earlier this year for the conversion of the building into nine flats which the inquiry was told was supported by local residents.

But Alice Quinn, representing the developers MCS Property Developments, told the inquiry the conversion was "very expensive to carry out" and no longer "a financial viable option."

The inquiry had heard an application to demolish the building was approved in 1988 .

But Mr Hurst said there was more emphasis on Victorian architecture now and historian Nancy Edwards who also lives in the road said it was probably Whitmore's only surviving domestic work.

Mrs Quinn told the inquiry the proposed building was appropriate in scale and in keeping with the street scene.

"It is a good and efficient use of the land. The design has been thought through."

But Mr Hurst said the proposed building was "quite bland."

Ward councillor Graham Pooley said: "The local residents are passionately committed to their street and the building."

He also told the inquiry the council was being urged to put a blue plaque on the property which had been put on hold until the result of the appeal.

Bob Huntington who lives in the road said: "The house has unique features and to demolish it would be a sad loss.

"It would be a devastating loss to the area if this important building was lost ands set a precedent in other roads in Chelmsford."

David and Frances Millham who lives next door to Courtman House told the inquiry the new development if allowed would result in considerable overlooking of their property.

A decision will be announced later.