Demolition plan for ‘old’ depot at Caistor

Owners of the former council depot site in Mill Lane, Acis Group Ltd, have given notice of the proposed demolition of the buildings - an action fully supported by Caistor Town Council.

The reasons given for the demolition of the office block and storage building in the works statement are ‘lack of occupancy’ and the buildings being ‘targeted by vandals’.

Coun Steve Critten, chairman of Caistor Town Council’s Economic and Development Committee and a director of Caistor & District Community Trust - which is leading the redevelopment project - said: “This is the next stage of the development and we will be putting in the full planning application in the coming weeks.

“We hope that even the demolition will make a derelict run down part of the town look a little better.

“This alone will be a big step.”

The demolition work is scheduled to begin at the end of June and is expected to take around four weeks to complete.

Coun Critten added; “Work is continuing on the site with the next stage a survey and review of the sewage and drainage system.”

Earlier this year, Homes England provided matched funding to money pledged by the town council to carry out a feasibility study for community-led housing on the site, to include a housing needs survey.

Coun Critten said: “I would liked to have engaged with the local residents a bit more closely but due to the lockdown this hasn’t been possible.

“Hopefully, after the consultation period, we will be able to move on to the next stage as part of our overall strategy for the town.”

The Mill Lane site currently has permission for use as a public car park, which has been well used .

As well as housing, the proposed plans for the site will include an area to remain as public parking.

The project is part of an overall strategy by the town council and the Community Trust to provide a business hub, more appropriate housing, employment, better parking and facilities in Caistor.

Coun Critten added: “The Town Council has worked hard on this project for many years but finally it is coming to fruition with the help of Caistor and District Community Trust, as well as the Caistor Heritage Trust.

“A special mention to our dear friend Don Morgan, who as part of Caistor Civic Society made many attempts to find a solution for this site.”

Mr Morgan died this year.