The village's former vicarage has received a preservation notice issued by Erewash Borough Council.
Residents in Draycott were stunned by the threat to picturesque Ferrestone House, which was built in 1875. It has extensive grounds and is valued at almost £1.3million.
A parish council meeting where the potential demolition was discussed saw its highest attendance by the public – with some described as being “genuinely distressed”. Draycott and Church Wilne Parish Council urged Erewash’s planning officials to step in, with a letter describing the grand residence on Station Road as “a landmark building admired and coveted by many local residents”.
A borough council spokesperson said of the preservation order: “This notice has effectively made Ferrestone House a temporary listed building pending consideration of its value to the nation by Historic England.”
The parish council has contacted Historic England about listing the building permanently. It says the house appears to be in good condition and that Draycott would be robbed of its character by the loss of a “fine example of gothic revival Victorian architecture”.
The vicarage was sold by the Diocese of Derby in 1961 and was recently advertised with local estate agent Robert Ellis. It used to be the home of Mr Jack Goss, the manager of Long Eaton’s Woolworths. It is not clear whether the building has new owners or why there are moves to have it demolished.
Erewash councillor Alex Breene, who is Lead Member for Town Centres, Regeneration and Planning, said: “Ferrestone House is a much-loved local landmark and the council has taken swift action following residents’ concerns over its fate. It is now for the Secretary of State to determine the building’s future.”
Picture credit: Andrew Abbott