Historic Louth building saved from demolition – for now

The former Douglas Electronics Industry building has stood on Eastfield Road for nearly 200 years.

Plans were revealed last July to knock it down.

However, there were calls from residents that it should be considered a heritage asset.

Councils don’t usually have the power to block the demolition of non-listed structures, however East Lindsey District Council issued an emergency order to stop this, which is due to expire in March.

The council will need to make it permanent and how to protect the building at its Executive meeting on Wednesday (February 15).

If approved, the order means that a full planning application would be needed to demolish or alter the building.

The red-brick building is believed to have been built in the 1830s by local canal merchant Robert Norfolk.

Some of the original elaborate stonework is still visible.

A report says: “The council has considered the merits of the building and agree, due to the architectural and historical interest, it is a non-designated heritage asset.

“The level of significance at this stage is not fully understood.”

The Louth Civic Trust had made a bid for the building to be listed, which would also give it protection.

This was rejected, and they are currently awaiting the outcome of their appeal.

Another potential way to protect the building would be extending the Louth Conservation Area.

However, this would require greater cost and time, and may not happen before the March deadline.