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Victorian Society joins fight to stop demolition of historic Cradley home

A campaign to save the former home of a man credited with bringing chainmaking to the Black Country has grown in size.

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Hatherton Lodge in Cradley which developers want to demolish for new homes

More than 70 people have written to Dudley Council opposing a planning application to knock down Hatherton Lodge in Cradley.

And now the Victorian Society has joined those objecting to the proposal.

The lodge was the home of Noah Hingley. His world renowned Netherton ironworks N Hingley & Sons made the anchor for the Titantic.

In a statement to the council, a spokesman from the society said: "We object to the demolition of this 19th century house - home of the great industrialist Hingley family - and its replacement with new dwellings."

The Victorian Society is a charity promoting awareness of Victorian and Edwardian buildings in England and Wales.

It provides a list each year of endangered buildings and assists councils on making decisions on planning applications.

Cornbow Properties is behind the plans for building.

It wants to replace the home in Drews Holloway with two three-storey and five two-storey houses.

But dozens of objections have been made against the proposal.

Hatherton Lodge in Cradley which developers want to demolish for new homes

Councillor Laura Taylor said: "The property holds historic value and is very much admired and supported by local residnets.

"The previous owners have a vast history both within Halesowen and Dudley as a whole, from holding the mayoralty to owning the company which manufactured the anchor for the Titantic.

"I object on the grounds that I do not feel that all avenues of restoration and preserving this property have been explored and would like to ensure this is done before any planning permission is granted."

James Warwick organised the Save Hatherton Lodge campaign.

He said: "All the support that has been shown to save the property has been overwhealming.

"People's enthusiasm and willingness to get involved to help has really been amazing - I have never known community spirit quite like it.

"Team work from the members has uncovered such a rich history relating to the Hartherton Lodge.

"It does really seem a case of the more you look, the more you find with Hatherton Lodge."

Timothy Durrant, of Church Walk in Rowley Regis, said: "This is wonderful house that needs restoring not demolishing."

Sir Benjamin Hingley was MP for North Worcestershire from 1885 to 1895.

He was also an alderman of Dudley and Mayor of Dudley from 1887 to 1889.

The once-grand Victorian property stands on Drews Holloway but has fallen into a state of disrepair.

In documents lodged by the developer's agent, a spokesman said: "This application gives an opportunity to transform a redundant, derelict site into one which is active and vibrant."