A school has sparked concern over plans to demolish its historic bell tower. The distinctive feature of Holy Cross School has been in place for more than 120 years, but the school insists the feature is showing "significant signs of deterioration".
The school, in Whitwick, near Coalville, has put forward the plans to North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) in a bid to resolve the future of the tower. It claimed the historic feature has deteriorated to the point at which removal is its only viable option as part of its wider roof refurbishment proposal.
The plan has sparked concern in Whitwick, but in planning documents, the school has defended its idea, saying: "It has been deemed necessary to demolish the bell tower due to the continuous maintenance required where parts are failing and causing internal damage. It is showing significant signs of deterioration through prolonged exposure to the weather."
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Documents suggest the original RC Church of the Holy Cross was built in 1837. A clergy house later used as a convent, which remains to this day and is a listed building, was added a few years later. The Old Convent is a listed building, but the church was demolished more than 100 years ago. The school, along with a new church and a clergy house were built on the other side of the road between 1902 and 1905.
Surveys conducted on behalf of the school, in Parsonwood Hill, made clear that while the tower was "not structurally at risk at this time", demolition was the best way forward. It said: "It is unclear how often or how recently the bell tower has been maintained, but unfortunately it is showing significant signs of deterioration through prolonged exposure to the weather. Large sections of the paint finish to the timbers have flaked off exposing the timber beneath which is now showing significant signs of rot and splitting.
"It is suggested that the extent of damage and deterioration of the timber structure will require the whole bell tower structure to be removed. Once the existing paint and roof coverings are removed, it is likely that even more damage to the timber support structure would be revealed."
However, NWLDC's own conservation officer disagreed with the survey's findings. He claimed the application should be turned down as the "relatively minor defects" outlined in the report did not "offer a clear and convincing justification for the harm that would arise".
Concerns have also been raised about the potential demolition from residents. One said the plan would be the loss of "another part of the heritage of Whitwick".
They added: "I fully understand that the school doesn't have the money to carry out repairs. However, I can't see why either the local authorities or government can't provide some form of grant to save a distinctive feature such as this."
A second said: "The bell tower on Holy Cross School is a local landmark and key and integral historical element of an early-20th Century arts and crafts era building. This shouldn't be demolished but should be restored for the future."
NWLDC will decide on the plan at a later date.
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