
The Water Tower and houses at
Burton Green, viewed from a footpath at the far end of Hodgetts Lane
Click here to see a larger scrollable version of this picture.
Proposed Sale of Cromwell Lane Water TowerWe have recently become aware that Severn Trent intends to dispose of the Water Tower in Cromwell Lane at an auction to be held in London on 1st July 2009.The Water Tower was decommissioned some 5 years ago and due to financial pressures, Severn Trent is selling a number of properties and sites that are surplus to their requirements. The auctioneers are King Sturge. Details of the sale can be seen at their website www.kingsturge.com. The property is lot No 54 (on the last page) with a guide price of £25,000. An auction board will be erected and local advertising will be appearing regarding the sale. The purchaser would have to obtain planning permission for any change of use. In discussions with Warwick District Planners they indicate that current planning laws would probably preclude a domestic dwelling or industrial use. What may be of potential concern to residents is the fact that such structures located on a ridge of high land are considered suitable for the erection of telecommunications masts - an issue that arose in 2000 and on which the then owners Severn Trent backed down after local opposition. At this stage it is not known who may purchase the Water Tower or indeed if it will sell. However in the event that any new owner submits a planning application for the erection of masts these can be contested on matters of planning law eg. the risk of radiation or visual amenity. However precedents have been established in Warwickshire where Water Towers have been put to similar use. We will monitor the outcome of this sale and any planning applications that are submitted. Should you have any issues Archie Taylor, Vice Chairman of the Residents' Association, and who lives opposite the Water Tower, has agreed to assist - 310 Cromwell Lane - 024 7646 3844 The question has been raised of whether there is any appetite within the community for buying the water tower ourselves - either a group of residents close to it and/or with the help of community raised funds. If you have any views about this please e-mail the Chairman of the residents' association: bgra@onetel.com The auctioneers selling the Water Tower are having an open viewing session commencing at 10.00am on Friday 19th June 2009. The property goes to auction on 1st July in London. Following a meeting, a number of residents living adjacent to the Water Tower are proposing to draw attention on Friday to the issue of their opposition to telecommunications masts (this last arose 9 years ago) - with potential press involvement as well. The possibilities of local listing for the Water Tower are also being investigated. There's a full page article in the Coventry Telegraph, Sat 27th June: Landmark Under the Hammer. |
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