PLANS to knock down a former pub have been branded “cultural vandalism” by campaigners trying to save their community from developers. Cartwright Homes confirmed that the Fox and Crane is to be bulldozed to the floor as they continue to build new homes and apartments on the site in Weddington Road, as reported in last week’s Tribune. However the news has not gone down well with residents or the Save Weddington: Oppose the Residential Development (SWORD) who are also fighting to stop more than 300 homes being built on green fields just around the corner. A spokesman for SWORD said: “If the demolition was to be allowed this would be just another example of our council effectively condoning cultural vandalism. “The original site application was justified by saving a building of historic interest. Why did the council not secure appropriate planning conditions that sought to have the Fox and Crane redeveloped first before the housing was built? “If they had we would not be in the position we are in now. “The council should now be actively seeking to list this building and live up to the principle of safeguarding our cultural heritage for future generations.” Cartwright Home are building a total of 25 homes and apartments, known as Grove Park, and they claim that the replacement building for the pub will retain some of the current features such as the timber front porch and stone detail, and will also be more energy efficient. Local historian Peter Lee however believes that these issues pale into insignificance compared to saving one of the town’s historic buildings. He said: “I am absolutely disgusted as this building is a cherished part of the community. Every decent building in the town has been pulled down and now this is the next one to be pulled down. “Shame on the developers and also on the local authority for letting this happen.” Cllr Danny Aldington, portfolio holder for planning and development, said: “The
developer has submitted the planning application which is currently being assessed by the planning department. “This has not yet been to the planning committee and I think it would be unwise of me to speculate on or pre-empt any judgment made by the committee at this time. “Any interested party,
including residents, will have the opportunity to have their say at that committee and I would urge anyone who wants to speak to make sure they go along to be heard.” | 
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