THE controversial demolition of a landmark building in Barrow town centre will be discussed by councillors next week.

Historic England raised concerns about the loss of the former registry office in Abbey Road, a council committee will hear.

Originally, it was hoped that the building would only be ‘partially demolished’ after it was found to be ‘unstable’ in May.

But it was deemed too much of a risk to  ‘save’ and was reduced to rubble in July.

The three-storey building between The Furness Railway and DS Fitness Centre was not listed, which would have acted as a protection.

However, demolishing unlisted buildings without planning permission is also a criminal offence – unless it can be proven the threat to the public was high.

Historic England told the council in summer that flattening it would harm the town’s conservation area, which is designed to prevent buildings of ‘special architectural or historical interest’ from being lost.

It said at the time: “We do not consider there is clear and convincing justification for the harm to the conservation area that would be caused by the wholesale demolition of the building.”

However, on hearing the problems with the building, it later changed tack.

The former registry office first appeared on local maps 127 years ago as a Masonic Hall, according to council documents.

The issue will be discussed by Barrow Borough Council’s planning committee on Tuesday December 17, chaired by councillor Colin Thomson.

Councillors will be asked to give backdated, or retrospective planning permission for the demolition, which has already taken place.

An officer’s report said the building’s owner involved the council in the issue from an early stage and that it was found to be in ‘too dangerous a condition to save’ – a view supported by structural engineers.

A council officer’s report said: “It is regrettable that the building could not be retained. However, there was strong evidence to show that structurally the building was unsound and beyond economic repair.”

Planners now look set to grant the application and put in place a condition in an attempt to improve the appearance and re-develop the site.

It stands on the opposite of Abbey Rd, few hundred yards from the burnt-out shell of the House of Lords, which was gutted by fire in January 2017.