March 26, 2019 4.39 pm This story is over 60 months old

Plan to convert historic Gainsborough water tower into new home

The developer wants to make it a “focal point” of the site
Cox Hill Water Tower, Heapham Road, in Gainsborough.

Plans have been lodged to turn a historic, disused water tower in Gainsborough into a new home.

The proposals submitted to West Lindsey District Council would see the Cox Hill Water Tower, Heapham Road, converted into a two bedroom house.

Along with the conversion, developer, Simon Stuart, has submitted plans for five new bungalows on the site each with four bedrooms.

Built in 1897, the tower is a grade-II listed building and is surrounded by a former reservoir which was constructed in 1864.

An early 20th Century postcard of Cox Hill Water Tower, Gainsborough.

Planning permission to redevelop the land was given approval in December 2013.

The applicant said in their plans that the proposal aims to retain the tower as a “key focal point” of the site.

They said: “The new proposals are a significant departure from the previous scheme in terms of creating a more sympathetic and in keeping development for the site.

“The aim of the proposal is to retain the tower as the focal point of the site and all of its external architectural features.”

Site layout for the Cox Hill Water Tower plan.

Meanwhile, in a heritage assessment, the applicant said the conversion of the tower will allow it to be restored for “appropriate use”.

They said: “This is a very modest, appropriate and carefully considered application which will secure the future of an attractive building of some significance.

“It will have considerable heritage gain and while there will be a change in its setting, the significance of the tower will be enhanced.”

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