Fresh vision for derelict Donington eyesore

The transformation of what was once a landmark building in Donington could move a step closer after a meeting on Wednesday.

South Holland District Council is to consider plans for the redevelopment of the former Red Cow Hotel in High Street which has stood empty for about 15 years.

Market Homes Ltd of Hertfordshire plans to turn the one-time coaching inn, a Grade-II listed building dating back to the 17th century, into a mix of one and two-bedroom “self-contained studio apartments, flats and town houses”.

According to a statement from Market Homes Ltd, The Red Cow Hotel “has been the subject of a number of fires and anti-social behaviour”, resulting in its current derelict state.

The statement added: “The building has been the subject of a number of failed business ventures since it was closed and, due to the demise of public houses, its use is no longer viable when considering the works that are required to stabilise the building.

“This proposal, in this location, will enhance the sense of community in the area by introducing new families who would have the opportunity to be part of a typical village community.”

As part of the plans, existing trees will stay on the site and a number of community gardens will be created, but the main bar will be demolished, existing windows removed and a number of ceilings, walls and roofs will be replaced.

In June 2015, the Lincolnshire Free Press reported that the building was the subject of a £175,000 offer, four years after a planning application to convert into a bar, restaurant, dental surgery and 12 homes was withdrawn.

Speaking to the Free Press in June 2015, Donington parish and district councillor Jane King said: “When we used to enter Donington In Bloom and the judges came round, we were immediately marked down as soon as they saw the Red Cow.

“There was nothing anybody could do about it and it wouldn’t have mattered if we’d got the most pristine, wonderful village in the history of the universe.

“The Red Cow has been an eyesore for so many years and it needs to be sorted out.”

A report for the district council’s planning committee recommended that both planning and Listed Building consent should be given, adding: “The need for urgent repairs to be carried out to the building and the reuse of the site for sustainable purposes justifies the decision.”

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