A ROW is brewing between a developer and English Heritage over the future of a Grade II listed Georgian building.

English Heritage, which preserves more than 400 buildings, is still in discussions with Colchester Council over whether Brook House, in Tiptree, is in such a poor state of repair it should be demolished.

Steven English, an agent for the property’s owner, J Purdey & Sons, claimed an English Heritage engineer told him, during a site visit, the house needed to be torn down.

Although English Heritage has confirmed it believes the house is in a poor condition, it says it has yet to make a recommendation to Colchester Council over its future.

John Neale, English Heritage team leader for Essex, said: “We are still in the process of assessing the application. It is clear the condition of the building is very poor following prolonged neglect.

“It has suffered from the failure of the roof, including its partial collapse, prolonged penetration of the building by water, and significant damage to the external brick shell.”

When a planning application was made to the council, the applicant said it was necessary to demolish the house because of English Heritage’s recommendation. However, no supporting documents were provided.

Tiptree Parish Council has recommended Colchester Council refuses the application. It believes the building can be saved.