Nocton Hall

The futility of it all

I now understand why so many long-term residents of the village have all but washed their hands in trying to salvage Nocton Hall. Not only have they exhausted their efforts to try and save this historic asset located at the heart of our village, they have been frustrated by the slow progress of the authorities to obtain a solution.

The three main protagonists with any influence over this 'at risk' heritage property are Leda Properties Ltd, North Kesteven District Council and English Heritage. But there's the rub... never the twain will meet... and much of it is down to money.

Glass half empty

The deterioration of the Hall began well before the fire all but destroyed the building in 2004. In their defence, North Kesteven District Council attempted to secure a Repairs Notice on the property, have incorporated the Hall and 'pleasure grounds' into the Nocton Conservation Area and have secured the property from further vandalism. In fact there is very little left to vandalise now... it was already robbed of many of its features prior to the fire.

Strenuous attempts to save the Hall by consecutive Parish Councils have also come to naught, despite constant meetings, writing letters, chasing outstanding matters and lobbying the local MP.

So what is the answer you may ask?

An Options Appraisal has now been completed which at least outlines the constraints and estimated costs of remedial work. However, unless a developer comes forward who can utilise the old RAF Hospital site with an 'enabling development', that will in itself pay for stabilising/restoring the Hall, I believe there is very little prospect of saving this building from becoming a total ruin. Each winter that passes, the internal walls and facades become more unstable.

Even if a Compulsory Purchase Order were to be served in 2013, North Kesteven District Council would still be left with a shell of a building and all the financial responsibilities of making it safe and secure. With public finances under constraint, they would need a willing 'partner' to produce a Development Brief before investing in the site long-term... and there just isn't the development money around currently it seems.

There have been various interested parties... the latest being LXB Retail Properties Plc with their 'Living Villages' concept. However, after an initial meeting with North Kesteven District Council and Nocton Parish Council representatives, little more has been heard.

I can't help but think that by the time any negotiations on purchase were to be finalised and acceptable plans drawn up, submitted and agreed, it would probably be years before work could even commence... and many more before any development were finished. Furthermore, it should be remembered that future development may bring other unforeseen problems to Nocton.

Glass half full

Perhaps it is important to look at what we enjoy currently? We have unfettered access to woodland footpaths surrounding the site. We can enjoy the flora and fauna. We don't have any current problems, no vandalism, no dumping and no construction traffic.

So let's not look a gift horse in the mouth. I am beginning to think that it is almost better being left as is... allowed to 'go native', becoming totally absorbed by undergrowth, providing a haven for our wildlife. But at what price for our heritage?