Row over historical value of cottage

May 2 2008 by Richard Fletcher, Chester Chronicle

Row over historical value of cottage

BATTLE has commenced over the future of an “historic” part of a Cheshire village.

Dogwood Cottage, in Shay Lane, Oscroft, is visible on the 1838 Tithe Map of Cheshire and also appeared in a millennium booklet detailing the village’s history.

Owner Bob Parker has now applied to demolish the cottage in order to build a new home on the site.

But his idea has raised the hackles of other villagers who are fighting back, to save what they see as one of Oscroft’s key buildings.

Villager Bob Stephenson, from Shay Lane, said: “I’m absolutely appalled. This cottage has had important renovations done in the last three years. In the last six years it’s had silicon injections for damp proofing – it’s in good structural condition.”

Objectors allege the project also goes against the Tarvin village design statement, which outlines what the village hopes to be.

Mr Stephenson, who wrote the millennium booklet, said of the proposed new building: “The conservation people in Chester say it’s by no means cottage size – it’s a big building. If these design statements are worthwhile, then they should be defended vigorously.”

Tarvin Civic Trust also opposes the scheme. Honorary secretary Mark Wyatt said: “The cottage is named in the design statement. It is a period cottage that adds to the charm of the hamlet.”

But Mr Parker said he had lived in the village for 30 years. He said he was not consulted over the cottage being in the millennium booklet and added: “We’ve done work to it over the years but we’ve got an increasing family. We don’t want to move but need a house that meets our requirements.

“To say it is an historic house is fairly rubbish – it has been extended in different ways over the years.

“It’s not a pretty village – there’s nothing about it to show it has evolved in a sensible way.”

Tarvin Parish Council “totally object” to the demolition, and unanimously sent objections to the city council.