Protection for pumphouse after demolition outcry

A protection notice has been placed on an "important" Lincolnshire pumping station, which had its chimney earmarked for demolition.

In September, Owston Ferry pumping station was subject to a planning application to remove its chimney following a safety inspection.

More than 230 residents objected to the application, submitted by its owners, the Isle of Axholme and North Nottinghamshire Water Level Management Board, to North Lincolnshire Council.

Council leader Rob Waltham said the building preservation notice issued by the authority "gives Historic England the time it needs to properly consider the building's future".

The notice means no alterations can be made to the building until after a listing decision has taken place by Historic England.

A listed building application has been submitted by a member of the public for the pumping station, which dates back to 1910.

Waltham said: "Residents in Owston Ferry have been absolutely clear that this building matters to them. We have listened, we have heard those concerns and we have acted.

"This is an important part of Owston Ferry's history and once something like this has gone, it has gone forever," he added.

According to the local authority, the building is a rare intact survivor of its type, retaining historic features including machinery inside the building.

It also forms part of the Isle of Axholme Area of Special Historic Landscape Interest.

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices