Red Arrows ready to begin summer display season

A former pub in Boston will be merged with a neighbouring building to create larger residential home.

Plans have been granted for a new use for the Red Cow Hotel on Wide Bargate.

The pub has had a turbulent history recently, briefly closing and reopening in 2014, before shutting again shortly after.

Planning documents say it’s fallen into a poor sate of repair. However, applicant SHWilkinson Architects Ltd is now working to bring it back into good condition.

Boston Borough Council has granted permission to build a two-storey extension to link it with the Georgians, an 18th century townhouse used as a care home for the elderly.

The extension will be set back from the road so it doesn’t detract from the historic architecture.

Artists impressions show what the larger, combined care home would look like.

The extended care home on Wide Bargate, Boston
Photo: SHWilkinson

The recently-approved application states: “The link will allow both buildings to operate under a combined management and staffing rather than two independent staffing units, were they kept separate.”

It adds that the plans are an “opportunity to bring the derelict and deteriorating building back into use and to address localised issues with vermin appearance.”

The buildings’ external features will be restored and replaced where needed.

A Lincolnshire village has given their support to plans for affordable housing which would make it easier for people to move there.

23 homes would be built in Bassingham, creating a range of one to three-bedroom houses and bungalows.

It is the second phase of a development off Vasey Close.

The vast majority of the comments from residents have welcomed the plans to help people on a budget afford a home.

One local resident who was born in the village said: “Without this development, we would lose the opportunity to apply for an affordable property in the perfect location with family and friends for support.

“Possibly more important than that, we would lose the chance of a foothold on the property ladder like so many other people of our generation.

“There is no guarantee we will obtain one of the proposed houses, but if they are not built, we definitely won’t get one!”

It would extend a previous development in Bassingham | Photo: Lindum Ground

Another resident said: “Whilst no site location is perfect, this development does provide easy pedestrian access to all the key village amenities.”

21 messages of support have been received from local residents, and three objections.

The parish council is also strongly in favour of the plans from Longhurst Group and Lindum Group.

“These proposals will help to encourage people to stay local and will be of particular help to the young element of our society,” it said in a statement.

“Bassingham Primary School is in need of new pupils for its September intake, and it is extremely important that this facility maintains a good level of registered pupils.”

The development will go before North Kesteven District Council’s planning committee next week due to the exceptional public interest in it.

Council officers have recommended that the plans, which can be viewed online, are passed.