A MUCH-LOVED historic building could be saved from demolition after councillors applied for it to be preserved as a listed building.
Residents feared that the Edwardian style building on Fluin lane, Frodsham would be reduced to rubble to make way for a new housing development over the coming months.
But now the building at 83 Fluin Lane could be saved from the bulldozers after councillors applied to English Heritage to list the property as a building of national importance.
At a Cheshire West and Chester planning meeting on Tuesday, September 20, councillors deferred their decision on whether to grant planning permission for 10 houses to be built on the site while they applied to English Heritage for listed buildings approval.
Following a site visit councillors expressed their wish for the building to be saved and renovated by the developers saying that the building was a historic landmark and important to the character of Frodsham.
Speaking at the meeting Cllr Norman Wright said: “This property is nearly 100 years old.
“All of us where gobsmacked by how beautiful the building is and how it could be in the future if it was to be renovated.”
During the meeting councillors said they hoped that if demolished elements of the old building could be used within the new development including bricks, railings and fittings and fixtures.
Cllr Keith Butcher said: “I would hope that if it is demolished that the materials that are salvageable could then be reused as part of the new development or within the community generally.”
Concerns were also expressed from residents living on the lane and in surrounding estates that the extra traffic would make the road a ‘traffic nightmare’.
Agent Barrie Newcombe Associates representing developers for Thomas Jones and Sons, were unable to comment on the application at this time.
The application, 11/00591/FUL, will be brought back before CWaC planning board following a decision by English Heritage.
