A COMMUNITY group say they are ready to step in and buy a historic building in Wivenhoe if a potter’s project to demolish and replace it fails.
Colchester Council’s planning committee was tonight*thurs* due to rule on renowned ceramicist Pru Green’s application to demolish the 19th century St John Ambulance building in Chapel Road and replace it with a house, art gallery and workshop.
But after planning officers recommended the scheme should not go ahead, it was temporarily withdrawn to allow modifications to the blueprints to be made, and will now be debated next month.
The crucial issue for councillors is likely to be whether the loss of a community building, which has only been used sporadically since it was put on the market in 2007, can be justified.
The Old Chapel Trust has raised pledges from local residents totalling £75,000 to buy the building if Ms Green cannot achieve her aims, and hopes to turn it into a community centre.
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