Former hospital and care home to be demolished

Developers have been granted permission to demolish a former community hospital, despite pleas from residents to protect a town's heritage.

The Southwood House care home, previously known as Wellingborough Cottage Hospital, in Doddington Road in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, will be replaced by a two-storey apartment block containing 26 flats for over-55s.

North Northamptonshire Council approved the controversial plan after two hours of debate on 22 January.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, councillor Tim Allebone of Croyland and Swanspool ward said: "I think it's a lack of effort to try and compromise by exploring other options."

The building, which opened as a hospital in 1900 and later became a care home in the 1980s, received significant local praise for its heritage.

However, it failed to meet the secretary of state's criteria for listed status.

More than 100 objections were submitted against the demolition, with residents arguing the site could instead serve as a much-needed medical facility.

One objector told councillors the building held "huge historic interest" and could be repurposed to support NHS services.

Several councillors voiced their concerns, with Mr Allebone adding: "We've lost so many buildings over the years. It would be a shame to lose more without fully exploring other options."

However, a planning agent representing the applicant, Sanctuary Housing Association, claimed retaining the building was "unviable, unpractical, or undeliverable".

Attempts to delay the decision for further review were overruled, as councillors were warned the developer could appeal for non-determination.

The planning committee approved the demolition with a date for works yet to be set.

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