October 24, 2019 4.02 pm This story is over 53 months old

Former Nocton Hospital water tower could become quirky home

The historic tower has suffered “heavy vandalism” since it was sold in 1995.
Photos of how the tower currently looks.

A historic Second World War water tower could be converted into a new home.

A Mr and Mrs Davies have applied to North Kesteven District Council to convert the tower on the site of the former RAF Nocton Hospital into a single dwelling, including building over the existing holding tank and creating a new detached garage.

The pair bought the build and an acre of land in 2018, having been responsible for the upkeep and security of the site for the past 12 years.

In their application they say: “The development will be high value, low density, preserving a significant, local historical building.

“If this conversion does not happen then the existing water tower will be lost. There is no other potential use for it.”

The tower was constructed between 1944-45 as part of the American war effort’s US 7th General Hospital.

It is one of four remaining examples in the UK and was in continuous use until 1995 when it was sold as part of the general sale of the hospital site.

Reports before the council say that in the intervening 23 years the tower and its surrounding area have seen “heavy vandalism” and note a number of repairs needed to internal floors, support beams and roof works.

An artist’s impression of how the water tower could look.

The documents state: “Despite the installation of CCTV, and daily security patrols incursions into both the hall and hospital grounds continue to be an almost daily occurrence.

“The conversion of the water tower will enable a full time presence on site during unsociable hours.”

An artist’s impression of how the water tower could look.

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