26May 40ft Streetlight Causes Anger at Historic Tudor House
A huge 40ft streetlight has been erected outside a 400 year old listed building causing anger and concern for the residents.
According to the council, a fault was found with the original light on West Street and so removed it but found the council could not put a replacement in the same place because of costs so it was relocated outside the Malt House.
Ian said: “Warwick is such a historic town. Clare’s family has owned the house since 1943 and it dates back to the 1600s.
“It is a listed property so that means we are dictated to what we can and can’t do. But the council can put a light outside the property without any consent or discussion.”
The couple have been doing work to the house to keep it part of the town’s heritage. Ian said: “We have a building that is photographed quite a lot and in the past year we have been working on the outside of the property. “We spoke to the planning people as it is mock Tudor outside so when we were replacing the wood timber we wanted to keep it conventional wood but we have got to paint it black. We can’t have different colours but they can put a 40ft light outside our property.
“On Castle Lane they have more historic-looking lights that look like gas lights and are only 20ft but we have a 40ft light that looks like it should be on the M6.”
The couple were concerned about the level of light pollution the new light would cause and their concerns became a reality on Tuesday night when the light was switched on. Ian said: “The light affects all three bedrooms in particular as they are at the front of the property. "
Our biggest concerns is that the council can put a light in front of any other historic building in Warwick without any consideration, discussion or consideration of listed buildings.”
Warwick councillor Martyn Ashford said: “It is just ridiculous to think people have to jump through hoops to develop properties in the conservation area when the county council can come along and put this up with no consultation in front of somebody’s house. The council is driving a coach and horses through regulations.”
