Concern raised over demolition project at old hospital buildings

Fears have been raised that work to demolish old hospital buildings in Pontefract could damage an area of “high archaeological importance”.

The site at Pontefract General Infirmary is thought to have once been home to a 16th century friary. Underneath a nearby building that will be retained is access to a hermitage, which is a listed structure and considered to be one of only two examples in Britain.

Since work was completed on the town’s new hospital the buildings, which are in a conservation area, are no longer needed and health chiefs want permission to demolish them.

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Members of Wakefield Council’s planning and highways committee are being recommended to back the majority of the proposals when they meet tomorrow but they recommend that members reject one.

Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS trust c/o Balfour Beatty Construction have applied for conservation area consent to demolish the former adult psychology building and a corridor, the former workship/mortuary store and the former occupational health building.

Council chiefs have recommended the proposals are backed, with the exception of the occupational health building, which council chiefs say has historical interest.

In a report to members they say that steps can be taken to ensure that the works do not affect archaeological remains, including only demolishing the buildings to just above ground level.

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The report says: “West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service (WYAAS) – states that the area around the dispensary is of high archaeological importance and that previous works on site have revealed (and destroyed) remains of a 16th century friary which is thought to have occupied the site.

“The proposed demolition of the identified buildings will, it is considered, destroy any evidence of the friary on this part of the site as the identified works will involve significant ground disturbance to a projected depth of one metre.

“The proposal has subsequently been amended to propose demolition down to slab level only and WYAAS have verbally confirmed their approval of this change.”

WYAAS recommend the area and surrounding area needs to be investigated in more detail before demolition takes place.

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The report adds: “WYAAS express concern that demolition work close to the Grade I listed hermitage in terms of vibration resulting from works and any potential impact upon ground water levels within the site.

“As a result of these comments details have been submitted by the applicants in relation to these issues.”

Further reports have been submitted by the applicants which states vibration levels will be monitored.

The applicants say that keeping the buildings presents a continuing problem of “security and maintenance.”

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They say that the buildings, while located within a conservation area, are of low historical significance.

The proposals relate to the north west quarter of the hospital site, which features at its northern end the dispensary building, which was built in the 1880s.

Officers recommend that the majority of the demolition work is given the green light, subject to conditions being agreed.

“In conclusion it is considered that the proposals, as amended, will not impact upon archaeological remains within the site and proposed monitoring of demolition works and local water levels will serve to protect the Grade I hermitage,” the report says.

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“Issues relating to archaeology on site and future levels have been resolved through amendments to the application and the submission of additional details.”

The report to members also says any future redevelopment of the former hospital site can be controlled with the use of planning conditions.