A controversial proposal for a new pavilion in Ayscoughfee Gardens has come in for further criticism – from a group of supporters of the Grade I listed attraction.
The Friends of Ayscoughfee says not enough consultation was carried out with user groups, including itself.
Chairman Coun Graham Dark labelled the pavilion, which was granted planning permission last month, a “monstrosity” and a waste of the remaining £57,000 Springfields S106 pot.
Coun Dark has just booked nine bands to perform at the popular annual series of outdoor concerts, which are currently held next to the hall and attract hundreds of spectators on the South Lawn.
The new pavilion will replace a wooden structure and wall in the pond garden, near the children’s play area and aviary.
Coun Dark claims the oak and zinc structure, which will have detachable acoustic panels, is not suitable.
He added: “What we wanted was something similar to what’s there now, but extended and with the back wall removed.
“It would have been better if there had been some consultation with the users.
“It seems to me that more focus has been put into what it looks like rather than the functionality.”
He added: “I would rather have seen the money spent on the aviary and had nothing new for performances than the monstrosity we’ve ended up with.”
The pavilion divided opinion when it came before planning committee members. Coun Christine Lawton (Spalding Wygate) praised a “quality and imaginative” design and Coun Harry Drury (Spalding St Mary’s, which includes Ayscoughfee Hall, felt it was important to build things which defined the current period.
But Sutton Bridge member Chris Brewis called the design “absolutely hideous” and not in keeping with the surroundings.
Meanwhile, Coun Dark says the complete boarding up of the Love Lane entrance to Ayscoughfee Gardens has hindered some nearby residents from enjoying the facilities.
The work was carried out after vandalism to the gates last month. Coun Dark says a small hinged gate would be a better temporary option, as some elderly people from the Lime Court area cannot walk around to the front entrance.
