Press Release

Date: 11 June 08

For Immediate Release

Conservation or Demolition?

The owners of the shops at 69-77 Church St Crowthorne have given notice to Bracknell Forest Council  that they intend to demolish them. Demolition is expected to start next week.

Church Street is part of the historic heart of Crowthorne and is currently being considered for conservation area status.

According to an officer at Bracknell Forest Borough Council, since the area is not yet adopted as a Conservation Area they have no powers to stop demolition of this row of buildings

These cottages have suffered some insensitive extension in modern times and, more recently, have been boarded and become an eyesore. However if you look above the chipboard you can see from the brick detailing and hung tile front that they are actually some of the oldest buildings in Crowthorne, and should be part of our architectural heritage.

These period features could be retained if they were to be sensitively redeveloped rather than demolished

CVAG thinks it scandalous that the owners are cynically demolishing these buildings even whilst conservation status is under consideration.

Issued By: Andy Holley

CVAG press Officer

Tel: 01344 777282

For immediate comment please contact John Baster : 01344 774007