Residents turn out at Courtman House; demolition would "choke Chelmsford"

11.48.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 14th Apr 2008

Cllr. Graham Pooley and Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson back Maltese Road residents against the demolition of Courtman House

A group of angry Maltese Road residents turned out for a local press photo last week to oppose demolition of Courtman House. The developer is pressing ahead with his appeal, asking the Government's inspector to allow demolition, even though the council said No.

Local councillor Graham Pooley is 'encouraging' the developer to withdraw the appeal and press ahead with converting the existing house, which has been given permission.

Cllr. Pooley commented: "Courtman House is a valuable part of the street scene and an important part of local heritage. Local residents are justifiably concerned about yet another development of flats going up in the town centre."

Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson told the residents: "This is just one example of many locally where developers are trying to squeeze too much development into compact sites.

"The Lib Dems are very concerned that the policies of the Conservative council will allow more of this kind of over-development. That is why we have launched the campaign 'Don't Choke Chelmsford' - www.dontchoke.org.uk."

Cllrs. Pooley & Deakin are also pressing for a Blue Plaque to mark the fact that local architect Frank Whitmore designed and lived in this house.