Campaigners are calling for an 'architectually significant' 18th century Suffolk cottage situated in college grounds to be saved from demolition.
Leaflets are being sent opposing Framlingham College's plans to pull down the timber-framed White Cottage, said to be the only remaining example of a weatherboarded house in East Suffolk and replace it with two homes.
The college has applied to the district council for permission to carry out the work, having previously been given the go ahead, in December 2019, to carry out the refurbishment and sub-division of the cottage.
However, investigations by a structural engineer found there was very little of the original building that was salvageable and therefore the decision was taken to seek to demolish the cottage and replace it with two one-bedroom homes.
READ MORE: https://www.eadt.co.uk/local-news/framlingham-news/
The aim is to reconstruct the cottage on a 'like-for-like' basis using similar materials to the original structure, including the timber-framing and weatherboarding.
A design and access statement on behalf of the developer stated that although the cottage was not a listed building, it was located within the Framlingham Conservation Area.
The statement added: "It is unlikely that much of the structure would be suitable for retention, and a vast proportion of the structure would need to be taken down to safely carry out the repairs. As a result, demolition and reconstruction is considered to be the only viable solution."
However, 12 objectors supported saving the cottage while commenting on the plans, citing the neglect of 'architectural and cultural heritage'.
READ MORE: https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/23302306.suffolk-seven-schools-times-2023-school-guide/
But Mark Madden, bursar of Framlingham College, said: “Framlingham College of course acknowledges the views held by local community members regarding the historic significance of the building.
"The future of the White Cottage has been under discussion and consultation for a number of years.
"We have always been guided by professional advice to inform decisions that ensure the building can return to a functional state, appropriate for college use.
"As a result, the recommended course of action is to demolish the current structure and rebuild, retaining key architectural features and using modern materials.”
READ MORE: https://www.eadt.co.uk/local-news/suffolk-news/
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