Threatened building 'too costly to be saved'

A private developer is looking to demolish a number of buildings in the town's conservation area to make way for a new 3m doctors' surgery.

The Bridge Street practice has outgrown its current premises and some patients are seen in Portakabins.

But there have been objections from the council's conservation officer and concerns raised by the Humber Design Review Panel and English Heritage about knocking down number six Eastgate.

The building is not listed, but is considered a "building of local interest".

The developer now says it will cost more than 100,000 to refurbish the building, adding 5.9 per cent to the total build costs of 1.79m. They claim it makes the whole health centre scheme non-viable.

Planners at East Riding Council do not believe much would be gained by retaining the facade of the building and are asking councillors to consider a new design for the centre at a meeting next Monday. If approved demolition will start soon – according to the developers, work has to begin by March 22, to comply with the funding deadline.

Officials are recommending the plans be approved, adding: "In view of the additional information that has been submitted and the amendments to the design officers now consider that the retention of number six Eastgate is not a viable option."

The last planning meeting heard from Dr Robin Freeman, one of the GPs working at the Bridge Street practice, who said they had been looking for a site for eight years.

The new facilities would offer 16 GP consultation rooms and seven rooms for nurses.