HUGELY unpopular plans to demolish an historic Kenilworth building and build houses in its place are set for the go-ahead.
A petition was launched by residents in December calling on Warwick District Council to reconsider its proposed decision to knock down Woodside Hotel and Conference Centre in Glasshouse Lane to make way for 55 new homes.
But despite attracting 237 signatures, WDC’s planning committee is set to approve the proposal when they meet on Tuesday (April 16).
If given the go-ahead, all the buildings on the site will be demolished, including the original house known as ‘Woodside’ – originally ‘Glass House’ , an historic stable block and a number of later 20th century additions. The original core buildings are locally listed.
The former hotel and conference centre has not been open since the beginning of the Covid restrictions in March 2020.
The business subsequently went into administration and was unable to attract a potential buyer to continue operating.
Matt Shepherd, who launched the petition on Boxing Day, said the potential loss of this significant heritage site raised concerns that extended beyond the confines of architectural value to impact the community at large.
He continued: “The demolition of the Woodside Hotel threatens the fabric of our community. Residents who have cherished memories associated with the hotel, along with those who have grown up with its historical significance, will witness the erasure of a vital piece of our local identity. Moreover, the proposed construction of 43 houses and a block of 12 apartments could alter the neighborhood dynamics and disrupt the harmonious balance that currently exists.”
Kenilworth Town Council has also formally objected on a number of grounds including the fact they disagreed that Woodside was a heritage asset of ‘low significance’, as well as there being no need for additional development within the east of Kenilworth.
MP for Kenilworth and Southam, Sir Jeremy Wright has also spoken out about his concerns.
He said: “I do not believe the basis for the replacement of the local heritage asset in the Woodside Conference Centre with more housing would be appropriate and hope the application will be refused.”
And there are 23 letters of objection from the public. Comments include the essence of Kenilworth is being lost, there should be efforts to convert rather than demolish Woodside Hotel and there is no need for additional housing.
In official documents to go before the planning committee, officers recommend members grant the planning application on the grounds that following an assessment based on an official list of criteria, Woodside Hotel was not considered a significant enough heritage asset to prevent any demolition works.
To sign the pettion visit https://www.change.org/p/save-woodside-hotel?source_location=topic_page
