Scaffolding roof to be be erected over fire damaged Perches House in Shrewsbury
Shropshire Council will this week commence work to erect a scaffolding roof over Perches House, on Windsor Place in Shrewsbury, which was badly damaged in a fatal fire on 27 January.
Perches House dates to the late 16th century and is a Grade II* listed building, making it amongst the most important historic buildings in the country.
Shropshire Council erected a structural scaffold immediately after the fire to prevent the risk of the collapse and protect public safety. As the building was uninsured at the time of the fire the council is now taking further action to provide further weather protection under listed buildings legislation and manage the risk of further structural deterioration from water ingress.
The council says that due to the complexity of the scaffolding design, the work will take up to five weeks to complete.
David Walker, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for planning, said:
“The council is taking action, through the service of an Urgent Works Notice under the listed buildings legislation, to take further steps to protect this important listed building. This is not a decision we have taken lightly but it is necessary to protect the structure of the building and manage the risk to the adjoining building owners’ properties.”
Alex Wagner, deputy Leader of Shropshire Council and councillor for Quarry and Coton Hill, said:
“The is one of Shrewsbury’s most important historic buildings and I welcome the action the council is taking to protect this part of our heritage. I would like to thank the family of Rose Roberts, the late owner, and the other affected property owners for their help and co-operation. I would also like to ask residents and the wider community in advance for their patience and understanding whilst the council is undertaking this work.”
Jess Richards, Rose’s daughter, said:
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has been involved in helping us reach this point. In particular, Justin Offland of R G Edwards and Steve Gardner from Jarvis Scaffold, and from Shropshire Council Scott Gerard from building control, Andy Wigley in conservation and the council’s directors, who have shown real care and commitment in supporting the protection of Perches House during this emergency phase.
“Perches House has always been a deeply loved family home, and preserving it means a great deal to us. While it had historically been insured, unfortunately it was not insured at the time of the fire. As a family, we fully understand the circumstances and are grateful that the council has been willing to step in. We are accepting the associated land charge in order to ensure the building can be protected.
“We also want to thank the local community for their kindness and patience during what has been an incredibly difficult time for our family. We are actively seeking grant support to assist us to fully repair the building.”
Jess has set up a crowd funder to help save the building.
