Letter - Why Victoria Road house should be saved

Why Victoria Road house should be saved

I’D like to bring to people’s attention the fact that an historic
building in Barnard Castle, that many people thought was protected is
about to be demolished.

Most people I have spoken to believe 33 Victoria Road, beside the
new hospital, a family home to the Smith family who established the
town’s foundry, could not be brought down as it was listed.

It is not and is possibly doomed to destruction within a week.
According to the local planning officer responsible, the developer is
not legally bound to post the intention to demolish in the local press
as most people expect, but he must post a notice 21 days ahead of time
somewhere prominent and easily readable by the public.

Having heard how many people were upset at us losing this piece of
our history — and a beautiful stone example of the Victorian/Edwardian
era — I could not understand why people had not been warned that this
was about to happen.

I eventually decided to, as I saw it, trespass on the property,
where I found a white notice on a white door at least five metres or
more up a garden path, which had until recently been overgrown and
surrounded by a tall hedge. This notice was hardly visible from the
street and I cannot believe it fulfills the legal planning
requirements.

Of course, it had already expired, (this happened last week). All
the people I asked said they had not seen a notice on the gatepost or
street, anywhere. This building is a very elegant example of period
architecture and much more solidly built than any new replacement is
likely to be.

I, and many others in Barnard Castle, believe it should be
maintained and any development limited to interior conversion. The
building needs work but is obviously basically sound. Also, any
projected development will probably involve the destruction of yet more
green space in an area that has just suffered the loss of a mature
stand of trees due to the new hospital being built.

The social history of the Victorian and Edwardian industrialists of
our town deserves to be preserved and promoted. They were the kind of
‘self-made’ men and women (entrepreneurs), who the young people of
today can hope to aspire to. We cannot all be another John or Josephine
Bowes, or a lord who builds a castle here and there. But efficient
businessmen and women? Yes, we can do that. In fact it is a strong
tradition of the dales and Barnard Castle.

Also many people are distressed to see the buildings which have been
so important in their lives totally disappear. The future of this
building also has implications for the future of 'The Starlings', the
old Richardson Hospital hospital as well. Please could anyone who
disapproves of this situation please telephone, e-mail or write to the
Teesdale District Council planning officer, and the town council, or
visit Curlews bookshop near the Market Cross where they may sign a
petition.

S J LEE

35 Auriol Road

London

W14 0SP