Wantage Demolition

It is reported that approval has been given to Vanderbilt Homes to knock down the Wallingford Street shops under development in Wantage.  As these are historic buildings, it was hoped that some of their architecture (such as the facades) could be preserved - especially as they are situated in the Wantage Conservation Area. As can be seen in the bottom photo, the roof has been left open for some time and this clearly cannot have helped matters.

One of the aspects that makes market towns such as Wantage so attractive is the historic blend and character of the architecture. Now that the decison has been taken, it would be good if the developers try to at least incoporate some of the features of the old building, such as the leaded window (upper right) and spiral cast iron columns (lower right) pictured above.

The planning approval can be found here and here.