THE land where the demolished Brook House once stood will soon boast modern homes.

It had been hoped the former Grade II Listed building, in Maldon Road, Tiptree, would be salvaged as a heritage site, but planning permission was eventually given to build six homes.

The Spitalfields Historic Buildings Trust had publicly stated it wished to restore the mid-18th century home.

But last year the trust, which specialises in restoring buildings which are in a dire need of repair, decided it was not worth saving the home, which has been derelict for 25 years.

The home, owned by J Purdy and Sons, was then de-listed.

It was demolished and planning permission has now been given for houses on the site.

John Elliott, Colchester councillor for Tiptree, said the council could have done more to prevent the property becoming so dilapidated.

He added: “Most people in Tiptree are disappointed it was allowed to fall apart like that.

“The council did nothing to preserve it and the owners were only there to makemoney, which I can understand.

“They have done nothing and the borough seemed to let them.”

The former Colchester mayor also questioned whether the council’s “soft” approach to the owners would have existed had Brook House been in the centre of Colchester, rather than in the south Colchester village.

Tim Young, who was Colchester Council planning boss during the negotiations with Spitalfields Historic Buildings Trust, responded, saying: “When I was portfolio holder, the council took a tough approach with the holders of that property.

“Historic buildings receive the same treatment regardless of where they are in the borough and that has always been the case during this administration.”

Under the plans, six homes with more than four bedrooms and one two-bed home will be built.

The Gazette contacted J Purdy and Sons, but no received no response.