Burleigh Fields House saved from demolition
Govt minister decision following inquiry
FIFTY years ago this month, following a public local inquiry, the Minister of Housing and Local Government refused an application by the county council for the demolition of listed building Burleigh Fields, Radmoor Road, Loughborough.
The home was believed to have been built in the mid 1700s.
Miss J Albery, the Ministry inspector who conducted the inquiry reported that although the site was secluded the building was one of more than ordinary interest and distinction.
She said: “The structure was generally robust and must have been exceptionally well-built to have withstood neglect and attack by fire it had.
“Despite the unwillingness of the County Education Committee to take over the building as a students’ hostel, its use by thew county council for some purpose related to the nearby colleges was worth further investigation on account of the suitable and attractive living accommodation which could be provided at what ought not to be prohibitive cost.”
She also said that failing that possibility, a private developer might well take on the building and convert it to self-contained flats.
She concluded: “Consent for demolition ought not to be given until further efforts had been made to obtain the suitable use of the building.
“In the meanwhile measures should be taken to protect the property from vandals to exclude the weather from the main block and eliminate dry rot.”
Unfortunately the move only delayed the demolition by a decade as the house was eventually pulled down in the 1980s
Can you tell us more about Burleigh Fields House?
Please call Andy Rush at Looking Back 01509 635802. E-mail andy.rush@reachplc.com