Concern as roof being stripped off historic Wiltshire house

Cllr Glyn Bridges says the society, formed in 1978 to protect the town’s historic properties, are “very concerned” that the entire roof has been removed from the property.

Speaking at a Trowbridge Town Council town development meeting on Tuesday, August 13, he said: “We are very concerned that the entire roof has been stripped off this building.

“Common sense would dictate that some form of protection from the elements should have been put in place otherwise interiors would be damaged irreparably.

“Unfortunately, previous action by the company concerned in demolishing the listed building at 5 Stallard Street doesn’t inspire great confidence for the future of this terrace, which forms an important group of historic buildings latterly connected with Bowyers meat factory but formerly with the woollen trade.”

Slates have been stripped from the roof of the listed property in Bowyer Terrace and the building is open to the weather. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Jonathan Dean, managing director of Innox Mills, said: “We can confirm that it has been necessary to strip the entire roof of the building to make the required structural repair works needed and in order to safeguard the long term future of this building.

“Unfortunately, when stripping the roof it was noted that the structural condition was worse than expected and we have been working with Wiltshire Council to agree the necessary works.

“We are working closely with them to ensure the repairs made to the roof are in the correct manner and have taken the relevant steps to ensure the roof is secured and repaired in keeping with its original form.

“The unforeseen structural aspects that have arisen have delayed the process, but we are pleased to announce that works will recommence within the next few weeks, once the structural and safety aspects of the building have been put in place appropriately.

“We understand the concern regarding 5 Stallard Street, however all of the relevant parties were made aware of the absolute necessity to partly demolish the building due to public health and safety before demolition commenced.

“Wiltshire Council’s conservation team, town councillors and Trowbridge Civic Society were understanding and accepting there was no other alternative but to bring the building down to a safe level.

“We are currently working on plans to resurrect the building in a manner fitting it’s heritage and will continue to work closely with Wiltshire Council to ensure this happens.”

The roof of historic Courtfield House was removed some months ago and has yet to be replaced. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Cllr Bridges’ complaint follows similar concerns about the roof being removed from the Grade II* listed Courtfield House in Polebarn Road, Trowbridge, where Ashford Homes is converting the historic Georgian mansion into four luxury apartments.

Ashford Homes says the roof on Courtfield House will be replaced when other work on the property has been completed.

Cllr Bridges has raised another concern about the demolition of the workshop attached to Courtfield House and the removal of a bay window.

He said: “Were any of these alterations agreed and supervised by conservation officers at Wiltshire Council?

“The bay window was unusual in that it had vertical sliding shutters. Can we be assured that these will be reinstated when the window is finally replaced?”

Ashford Homes’ development director Tom Griffiths said: “The need to remove the bay window was agreed with Wiltshire Council – this being the only way to facilitate safe access to the basement to enable the removal of large quantities of asbestos.

“Following a helpful site meeting with Wiltshire Council’s Conservation and Building Control teams earlier this month, our specialist heritage architect and structural engineer are now finalising the full external and interior schedule of works to enable works to progress with certainty in the coming months.”