Pre-fab build was only supposed to have 10-year lifespan

A post-war build whose previous owner resisted changing it for more than 30 years could be bulldozed under City of Lincoln Council plans.

The authority has applied to its own planning departments to check whether it needs approval to demolish the two-bed detached bungalow built in 1946 on Outer Circle Drive.

At the time of its construction, the home was made from pre-fabricated steel – a method used nationwide to address the UK’s post-Second World War housing shortage.

Around 157,000 such homes were constructed in the UK. At the time they had a planned life of up to 10 years.

In the 1980s, the council carried out external wrapping works to the structure.

The documents outline how the previous tenant lived there for 30 years, adding: “during this time minimal modernisation and upgrading has been undertaken at the property.

The previous tenant was asked to carry out improvements over their 30 year tenancy, but resisted the demands. | Image: City of Lincoln Council

“The tenant refused improvement works on several occasions,” said the application, which describes it as “unfit for habitation”.

The home is now declared void following a survey carried out in March 2020.

The forms state that demolition will include the removal of the foundations and that once filled will be levelled and turfed.

A mature tree located in the rear garden will be kept.

The property was not modernised in over three decades.

Untouched and unrepaired for a very long time.

Councillor Donald Nannestad, Portfolio Holder for Quality Housing at City of Lincoln Council, said: “The property is in a sub-standard condition and is uneconomical to repair. As such, we have taken the decision to remove it.

“Although there are currently no plans to rebuild on the plot of land the option remains open for us to do so at a later time.

“The council remains committed to the increase of quality, affordable homes across the city and has delivered more than 350 in the past four years.”

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“My allotment is a big part of my life”

A mum-of-two who owns an allotment in Lincoln said rising costs has made her “nervous and worried” for the future and believes these community spaces can “also grow lots of extra produce to help keep food banks topped up”.

Kirsty Ward, 32, spends a lot of time at her allotment which she describes as a “big part of my life”.

In an interview with BBC Look North she said the allotment enables her to “grow my own produce which reduces the cost of my weekly food shop and also it’s great for my mental health and wellbeing”.

However, she added: “I think with all the rise of costs, it has made me nervous and worried about my financial situation for the future.”

Making Lincolnshire proud — Well done Ollie!

Ollie Chessum (centre) with Cameron Henderson (left) and Jack van Poortvliet (right) in the dressing room after Leicester Tigers won the Premiership title. | Photo: Leicester Tigers

Lincolnshire-born rugby star Ollie Chessum has been named in England’s squad for the upcoming tour of Australia, just days after helping Leicester Tigers to Premiership title-winning glory.

The 21-year-old was born in Aunsby, which is between Sleaford and Grantham, and began playing rugby at Carre’s Grammar School at the age of 13. He played for Sleaford, Newark and Kesteven Rugby Clubs, as well as enjoying a spell at Championship side Nottingham, before making his senior debut for the Tigers in August 2020.

It was a dream come true for Ollie when he was called up to the England squad for the first time for this year’s Six Nations. He made his international debut as a substitute in England’s 33-0 victory against Italy before featuring off the bench again in the 25-13 defeat away against eventual winners France.

Chessum was given a starting slot in the pack on Saturday as Leicester Tigers clinched their 11th Premiership title, and first for nine years, with dramatic 15-12 win against Saracens, thanks to a last-minute drop goal from Freddie Burns.

Ollie’s year continued to get even better on Monday morning when England Head Coach Eddie Jones named the young forward in his squad of 36 players ahead of the trip to Australia.

England will travel to Australia on Tuesday, June 22 ahead of their first game against the Wallabies in Perth on July 2. The second and third Tests will be played in Brisbane and Sydney on July 9 and 16 respectively.

Ollie is joined in the England squad by five of his team-mates from Leicester Tigers – Ellis Genge, Joe Heyes, Freddie Steward, and the uncapped duo of Guy Porter and Jack van Poortvliet.

England last toured Australia in 2016 when Jones’ side won all three Test matches and the Head Coach said: “Though we have nine players unavailable due to injury, we have picked a very strong squad capable of winning the series. This squad is a real mix of young, talented players and some very experienced, senior players and we’re looking forward to bring the group together.

“This tour will be a great experience for the group and a crucial part of the team’s work towards the Rugby World Cup in 2023. We will continue to develop the base of the squad and how we want to play.

“We’ve put a lot of work into preparation for the tour over the past few weeks but now the hard work really begins when we finally get the squad on the plane and to Australia.”