Residents were ‘shocked and saddened’ to see the local landmark being pulled down
Doe Hey House was largely demolished (Pic Coun Paul Sanders)
Plans have been submitted to replace a ‘historic and charming’ house which was largely demolished without planning approval.
Doe Hey House, a Victorian era villa on Harpers Green Road in Farnworth, was partially pulled down in July last year without approved plans in place leaving some living nearby ‘shocked and saddened’.
The house, which was considered a local landmark by residents, had fallen into disrepair in recent years.
Planning permission was granted in 2022 for an extension and the demolition of the conservatory, but that did not include pulling down the entire house.
After the demolition works were brought to the attention of Bolton council by concerned neighbours the authority said that as the property was not listed or in a conservation area, they had no control over the demolition of the building.
However, permission was needed to control and regulate the method of demolition and the safety of the site during the process, so therefore enforcement action was started.
Now a fresh planning application has been lodged, under the name of Mr Sheik, which retrospectively applies for the demolition permission along with with presenting detailed plans for a replacement house at the site.
The plans for the replacement home (Pic: Group/d Architects)
A design and access report in support of the plans, said: “The previous building, a long-standing residential property with distinctive historic characteristics, had unfortunately deteriorated significantly and is now being replaced with a new dwelling. “The site now presents an opportunity to reinstate a high-quality home that honours the architectural narrative of the original dwelling while providing a modern, sustainable, and functional living environment for future occupants.
“The proposed replacement dwelling has been carefully designed to reflect the character and charm that defined Doe Hey House. “Key architectural elements, including bay windows, masonry detailing, and the strong visual rhythm of the original façade, have been reinterpreted and integrated into the new design.
“The scheme aims to restore the presence of a well-loved building that contributed positively to the identity of the area.” At the time of last year’s demolition, Farnworth councillor Paul Sanders said he and local residents were ‘shocked and saddened’ that the Victorian-Edwardian-era villa had been almost entirely pulled down.
The current application’s design and access statement, adds: “The proposal delivers a replacement dwelling that is appropriate, sympathetic, and of a high architectural quality. “It restores the residential use of the site, reinforces local character, and provides a well-designed, durable, and energy-efficient home.
“The scheme represents a positive addition to the locality and is therefore respectfully submitted for approval.”