Preservation hope for front of 'rare' Victorian landmark in Doncaster

Officials at Doncaster Civic Trust, an ororganistion which promotes good architecture and tries to protect ‘valuable historic buildings’ and townscapes, say they are ‘disappointed’ that Balby Road Methodist Church, which dates back to 1863, now seems headed for demolition.

Archie Sinclair honorary secretary of the group, said: “A planning application was approved in September 2018 allowing the building to be converted to 10 apartments, retaining its external fabric. The trust was very happy with this proposal.

“Sadly, it now appears not to meet the owner’s objectives. Demolition is the preferred option. The building is not listed nor in a conservation area, so is not protected from demolition. Here it is permitted development.

“The recent approach to the Council was applying for determination as to whether prior notification was needed to the method of demolition and any proposed site restoration. It was not an application for permission to demolish the church. Because of this, no period for objections was included on the site notice, and no objections were received.

“The Trust hopes that the applicant, who has stated he is willing to retain parts of the building, will devise a new residential scheme which can incorporate the church’s decorative front elevation. This is in an attractive Romanesque style and would be a rare architectural landmark on Balby Road.”

Doncaster Council said in official documents: “The site is not in a conservation area and not listed, nor was it likely to provide sufficient interest that it would happen imminently.”

Documents for developer Surjit Duhre, said the cost of repairing the exterior would not be cheap, with most bricks in poor condition.

They stated a new building could incorporate some original features and the land could support 20 new flats, after demolition.

They added: “With no current interest in the building itself, it could continue to stand for a further 20 years experiencing no use or providing any impact for the local community. It would then suffer further decay, fall into a state of further disrepair and be at risk of falling down.”

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