Colchester News
Colchester: Tubswick saved - for now
12:00pm Friday 30th July 2010
THE remains of a farmhouse once leased by writer Daniel Defoe have been given a last minute reprieve.
Members of the planning committee for Colchester Borough Council were due to vote on whether to follow officers’ recommendations to demolish the remains of Tubswick last night.
But Martin Goss (Lib Dem, Mile End) said the item has been withdrawn from the agenda for further discussions and he is delighted the historic site has been saved - for now at least.
The 18th century grade II listed building in Mill Road, Colchester, was gutted by fire in December.
Owners Adrian and Faith Richardson had started to renovate the property but nobody was living it at the time.
Mr Goss said: “I think we would be making a huge mistake and it should be restored to its former glory.
“What the owners need to do is come up with a complete plan.”
He added the site has land at the back which can be developed and he hopes there is a way to use the site which includes restoring the house.
It is rumoured that Defoe, probably most famous for his novel Robinson Crusoe, actually wrote Moll Flanders while at the property.
Myland Parish Council raised several objections to the demolition including the considerable architectural and historical importance of the site to the area.
It was withdrawn from the agenda because the parish council felt its concerns had not been properly reflected in the report due to be presented to members and it should have been formally consulted.