Historical forge to be demolished

The forge on Brook Street, Hemswell, has fallen into ruin over the last 20 years

A forge once used by blacksmiths will be demolished after falling into ruin.

The building on Brook Street in Hemswell, near Gainsborough, was once considered a heritage asset, although only the eastern wall is now left standing.

A new home will reuse the stone from the forge and attempt to recreate its appearance from the street.

West Lindsey district councillor Tom Smith told a planning meeting: "It's frustrating the council has no powers to ensure these buildings can be protected."

Approval had been given to convert the old forge into a home about 20 years ago, but this was halted when builders discovered how poor its condition was.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, most of the building has collapsed, and the most recent owner has applied to demolish what remains.

Several local residents had objected to the building's demolition and the design of the new home.

Andrew Clover, speaking for the applicant, told the committee: "The loss of the building is regrettable. However, surveys clearly show that demolition and rebuild is the only option."

Mr Clover said the building would be carefully demolished and replaced with "a discreet and sensitively designed dwelling almost identical to the forge when viewed from Brook Street".

He said "severe structural defects" had stopped previous work, the building was in "too poor condition to be converted, and should be demolished to make way for the replacement".

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