Conservation charity disappointed over rectory demolition

A conservation charity says it is “hugely disappointed” about plans to demolish an Edwardian rectory in Hereford.

Hereford Diocese’s plans to knock down the rectory of St Nicholas’ Church and build six two-bedroom homes and three three-beds in Breinton Road were given the go-ahead on March 29.

The rectory was built around 1910 by the local firm of Nicholson and Hartree.

And Historic England noted the high quality of the materials used to build the rectory and the remarkable intactness of its original and detailed interiors.

Conservation charity the Victorian Society had called on the council to reject the proposals.

They said the destruction of the building would be a further erosion of the city’s heritage.

“We’re hugely disappointed to hear that plans to demolish a historic Hereford Rectory have been approved,” a Victorian Society spokesperson said.

“We campaigned hard to save it and will be sorry to see the loss of this well-designed building.”

A Hereford Diocese spokesperson previousky said the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Commission on Housing, Church and Community is encouraging churches and dioceses to think about how they use their property to meet local housing need.

 “The proposed redevelopment plans for St Nicholas’ Rectory, will provide nine affordable family homes in the city centre,” they said.

“We recognise the need for all parties to engage in the planning process and to ensure that the different views regarding this project are heard. Our approach to this project is to proceed with stakeholder engagement.

“We will seek to incorporate affordable environmental building standards whilst providing sustainable housing for the local community.”