Emergency repairs sought for historical building

Plans are under way to start emergency repairs on a historical building in Peterborough.

Laurel Court stands next to Peterborough Cathedral, in Cambridgeshire, and parts of it are believed to date back to 1690, but its condition is deteriorating.

The cathedral's governing body, Chapter of Peterborough Cathedral, has now applied for listed building consent to commence repairs and surveys to the building.

"The condition of Laurel Court has been a significant concern for several decades, and remains in extremely poor condition," a planning document states on behalf of the Chapter.

"It needs a major phase of complete repair, to deal with all of the external fabric and structural issues.

"Despite the recently installed flat roof (which is holding water so will not endure long), this work cannot be delayed indefinitely, and should be a fundraising priority, ideally to carry out repairs within five years."

Some parts of the Grade I listed-building are understood to originate from the 17th Century, with early 18th Century extensions and 19th Century additions, such as the bay windows.

It is now mostly vacant or used as storage, but the building was used as a school from 1870 and later a choir school.

It is hoped a new use for the building can be found once the structural concerns are rectified.

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.