Revised plans for old Rauceby Hospital redevelopment

Barratt Homes submitted plans last summer to North Kesteven District Council for approval to knock down six of the derelict ward blocks, convert two others into homes, keep the old conservatory as a covered walkway and build 106 new homes.

The old Greylees Hall main building would be converted into apartments and there would be a public square, new convenience store unit and community hall.

After discussions with planners, the company wants to reduce the overall number of dwellings from 114 to 106. They have supplied supporting documents after Historic England expressed concerns about the effect on the designated Conservation Area and whether demolition was justified.

Chris Waumsley, of Freeths solicitors, for Barratt Homes explains in supporting documents that the current condition of the site is a consequence of its history and buildings being empty for over 18 years. He said: “In that time there has been substantial demolition of buildings within the hospital complex and inevitable deterioration arising from the passage of time, vandalism and lack of use. Furthermore the surroundings to the Central Core have changed beyond recognition with development of over 700 dwellings in what was an historic park and garden setting to the Conservation Area.”

He added: “We have worked hard with officers to come forward with a scheme that retains those buildings that are of most importance and that are capable of preservation and replaces those that are not with buildings of a similar scale and form such that the scale and grouping of buildings is retained. To that extent the Conservation Area’s character is preserved as far as it is possible to do so.”