Historic care home set for demolition

A historic building that once served as a medical facility is set to be demolished to make way for flats, as plans near approval next week.

The Southwood House care home on Doddington Road in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire would be replaced with a two-storey apartment block containing 26 flats for over-55s.

More than 100 objections have been lodged by residents opposing the demolition of the building.

One wrote: "This building is not merely a structure; it is a vital piece of our town's heritage and identity."

Built in 1900 as a cottage hospital, the building later became a care home for adults with disabilities after the hospital closed in the 1980s.

Sanctuary Housing Association, which owns the care home, said the property was now "unfit for purpose" and had been vacant since February 2023.

The applicant argued that repurposing the existing building would be financially unviable.

However, objectors argue the site should be repurposed for medical or community use rather than being torn down.

Another resident said: "Historically, this site was provided to the town with funding from the townsfolk.

"It has always had a medical connection and should continue as this."

A council archaeological advisor acknowledged demolition would mean the "total loss" of a heritage asset but deemed it acceptable if unavoidable.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the town council has not objected to the plans, which will be decided by North Northamptonshire Council's planning committee.

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