LEOMINSTER Civic Society has thrown its weight behind regeneration plans for Grange Court.

The support comes just weeks after the Victorian Society objected to the alterations for the Grade II listed building, as reported in the Hereford Times.

The civic society says the planned £3 million makeover, which includes restoring a first floor hall and removing a Victorian staircase and partitions, is justified.

“We feel that, first and foremost, Grange Court is Leominster’s iconic secular building and it belongs to the town,” said society chairman Robert Oliver.

“We understand the Victorian Society wishing to keep the inserted stair, but we feel that putting back the original upper room is justified.”

The plans are being overseen by the Leominster Area Regeneration Company (LARC) and would also see a straightening out of floor levels to aid disabled access, the addition of emergency escape routes and an upgrade of heating and insulation.

The Victorian Society, which campaigns for the future of Victorian buildings around the country, objected to the regeneration plans saying they were too destructive, particularly with the loss of the staircase and a fireplace.

Mr Oliver said the historic building had inevitably lost some of its Victorian character over the years as it had been used as council offices, but maintains it should be there for the benefit of town residents.

“This building belongs to the people of Leominster and should be available to everyone,”

he said.

“It is a public building with the most amazing carvings which must be permanently accessible for us all to enjoy.

“We support the plans LARC has put forward. This is the optimum design to ensure the retention of the building’s character and future.”

The plans are currently being considered by interested parties.

Work could get under way later this year.