A Black Notley resident fears an historic home in the village is in danger of being pulled down.

White Cottage is the oldest building on the old Notley hospital site.

The hospital grounds were designated for residential housing in 1998, but some of the buildings were to be retained,including the chapel and memorial hall.

Jim Taberman, who lives in Black Notley, is concerned about the present state of White Cottage.

He said: "The house now seems to be falling into disrepair, with broken windows and slates falling from the roof.

''The surrounding area of garden is beginning to attract all sorts of unwanted rubbish from fly-tippers."

Mr Taberman fears the building may fall into such a state of disrepair that it will have to be pulled down.

''Now eight-foot-high boards have been put around it - it looks a real eyesore,'' he added.

"There was obviously a decision made that this building should remain to enhance the area and to retain an historic portion of the old Black Notley Hospital.

''What we must not allow is for this building to fall into such a state that it has to be demolished and see another segment of parish history disappear forever."

Anne Proudfoot, spokeswoman for Braintree District Council, confirmed that White Cottage was purchased by a Brentwood company and has a preservation order on it.

She said: "No formal application to demolish the building has been made.

''As far as we are aware there has been no fly-tipping, but the owner has put building materials there.

"We advised the owner to put boards up for health and safety reasons.

''This building was highlighted as one that should not be demolished. It will be kept under review."

Historic home: White Cottage on the old Notley hospital site.

By Clare Berrett

Reporter's e-mail: clare.berrett@essex-chronicle.co.uk

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