Council Considers Demolition of Ermine United Reformed Church

The United Reformed Church on Lincoln’s Ermine estate could be demolished due to safety concerns and anti-social behaviour (ASB) at the site. 

The City of Lincoln Council has submitted a request to determine whether prior approval is required before proceeding with the demolition.

Located on Sudbrooke Drive, Ermine East, the church sits on a 2,270m² plot. Originally built in the 1950s, the building consists of two main structures: the original single-storey brick church with a pitched tile roof and a more recent steel-framed hall with a metallised roof. 

The premises also include a feature tower, a vestry, kitchen facilities, stores, and toilets. The council has noted that the building is in poor condition, with potential asbestos risks, and could pose a hazard if broken into.

The council purchased the site for strategic purposes but has since raised concerns about its impact on the local community. The structure creates hidden areas that have become a hotspot for ASB, leading to security and safety issues. It says demolishing the building would remove these risks and allow the site to be turfed while awaiting future redevelopment.

A decision on whether prior approval is needed for the demolition is expected in due course.