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Spalding Bull & Monkie plans mark progress at last for eyesore site – but spark debate on what’s needed for the town




Long-awaited plans to spruce up a blight on Spalding’s landscape have been lodged – and have sparked a debate on the future of the prime site.

Crispen Holdings wants permission for an 88-bed care home in place of the Bull & Monkie, the disused Churchgate pub that closed in 2007 and has since become an ugly grot spot beside the town’s otherwise-picturesque riverfront.

The news has split opinion – with relief that something is finally being done to tackle an eyesore alongside a discussion on whether it’s what Spalding needs and if the design is befitting the location.

An artist's impression of the new care home, looking from the direction of Taku Bridge (RDT Architects, submitted to South Holland District Council)
An artist's impression of the new care home, looking from the direction of Taku Bridge (RDT Architects, submitted to South Holland District Council)

A 2009 scheme to build a care home on the site never came to fruition.

Spalding and District Civic Society chairman John Bland said: “It is good to see that the owner is finally seeking to do something with the site.

“It is just unfortunate that it has taken them so long, having completely neglected the site for 14 years, since their previous application.

“I note that they state that they have engaged in pre application discussions with interested parties, yet they have not considered engaging with the society which is disappointing.”

The society’s formation – and mission to stand up for the town’s heritage - was actually linked to this location. It began in 1959 after the demolition of Holyrood House – a building dating back to Tudor times, whose grounds include the Bull & Monkie land, which was replaced by the drab county council office building in The Vista.

South Holland District Council ward member Mark Le Sage wants the public to now make their voices heard as part of the planning process.

He said: “This is a site that has been problematic. That someone is interested in doing something with it is a positive step. It’s something that could bring employment to the area.

“As far as the plans themselves, it’s up to the residents of Spalding, South Holland and the Deepings to look at the plans and say what they think about what they want for the community.

“I am bitterly disappointed every time I walk past that site and see it in such a state, particularly when it’s the Remembrance parade.”

Coun Paul Redgate helped frame the authority’s ‘untidy sites’ policy – and said the scheme ticks a number of boxes.

He said: “We should be welcoming investment to get these things in to some sort of usage. As to what goes there, that is a separate conversation.

“I always welcome opportunities to see these sites coming to use for the benefit of the area.

“The important thing people need to realise is these sites are privately owned. It needs someone with an idea to bring the site back to use that will use it to its maximum potential, keep the site tidy and do something for the town.”

What do you think? Post your comments below or email andrew.brookes@iliffepublishing.co.uk



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