A 19th century Ryde school wall posing a “severe safety risk” has been demolished.
Ryde Town Council has sought listed building consent for the removal of the masonry wall of Vectis Hall, a Grade II listed building first built in 1812, from the Isle of Wight council.
Listed buildings are those with special architectural or historic interest which grants them legal protection.
Justification for the demolition
The demolition has been justified on the basis of section 9 (3) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990:
“It was considered urgently necessary to safety and to the preservation of the building to complete the removal with immediacy.
“As such, the works have already been completed and the at-risk area secured.”
Lateral support for the masonry walls removed
Initially built as Ryde’s first free school, Melville Street’s Vectis Hall has over the years fallen into a “state of disrepair” following “severe neglect”, according to a Design and Access Statement put together by architectural design practice The Goddard Partnership Limited.
The statement said,
“Within a particularly dilapidated area of the building, the roof and floor had collapsed.
“This had removed the lateral support for the masonry walls built (later in the 19th century) onto the existing stone boundary walls.
“These walls had become completely unstable and at risk of imminent uncontrolled collapse.”
HE: Seek the views of your specialist conservation and archaeological advisers
In a letter to council officer Lee Byrne, historic environment public body Historic England said,
“Historic England provides advice when our engagement can add most value. In this case we are not offering advice.
“This should not be interpreted as comment on the merits of the application.
“We suggest that you seek the views of your specialist conservation and archaeological advisers.
“You may also find it helpful to refer to our published advice on the Historic England website.“
Entry to Vectis Hall is currently barred, with access points from the street boarded up.
The building contains the carcinogenic material asbestos in “various damaged” and “undamaged areas”, though none is present in parts relating to the application’s works.
View the plans
You can view the application on the council’s planning register (24/01474/LBC).
The public consultation runs until Friday 8th November 2024.
Article edit
12.52pm 15th Oct 2024 – Name of applicant corrected
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
