An abandoned telephone exchange could have a new lease of life after 40 years of neglect.
Plans have been submitted to convert the tiny brick-built exchange on Common Road, Whaplode Drove, into a one-bedroom ‘tiny’ home.
The application says it is intended to develop the small building into a ‘suitable small home which they will be able to enjoy whilst not away working at sea.’
The building (pictured) has been left redundant since 1983 and has been hit by vandals during the intervening years.
But a survey says it is structurally sound, despite being empty for so long.
“The existing building is small in footprint and therefore the proposal for a small ‘tiny’ home to allow the applicant to have a small, manageable space to live,” says a design and access statement submitted to South Holland District Council with the application.
“The building is still in a sound structural condition, a testament to the overall build quality, but there are signs of its deterioration due to being left for over 40 years. The building has been subject to vandalism with a number of the window panes being smashed during that time and the surrounding land has become overgrown and leaves the building in a sorry state given its important and proud history,” it says.
The building, which stands alone on a small plot, would have been designed and built by the Post Office and, along with others of its kind, was of high quality.
There is room for a shower room, bedroom, kitchen and living area within the original structure. The additional structure would be supplementary accommodation.
The proposal includes provision to build an outdoor living structure to the rear of around 36sqm which includes seating, an open fireplace and a cooking area.
It will be built in red brick with detailing and a flat living roof which will see vegetation growing to blend the structure into surroundings.
“The conversion can only be seen as a good positive contribution to the immediate setting of the building,” says the statement.
There will be a gravel driveway and parking area as part of the development.
