Bid to have seawater pool listed turned down
AN APPLICATION to have an open-air, seawater pool listed has been turned down.
English Heritage has revealed that it did not consider Shoalstone Pool of national importance to list it and protect it for the future.
In a letter to the Friends of Shoalstone Pool group, Hannah David, English Heritage's designation co-ordinator for the South West, said the pool was not old enough to warrant protection and did not have any particular architectural features to merit such listing.
In her conclusion, she said: "While the local interest of the Shoalstone Pool serves as a reminder of Brixham's seaside heritage, and is a long-serving and valued amenity, it does not possess special architectural or historical interest in the national context and so does not meet the criteria for listing."
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Campaigners fighting to keep the pool open this summer after Torbay Council originally said there was not enough cash to keep it going for more than six weeks, said English Heritage's decision was disappointing but the listing application had helped put pressure on the local authority.
Alastair Newhouse, who applied for listing Shoalstone Pool, said: "It is a bit disappointing but I'm not surprised with English Heritage's decision because the best feature at the pool was demolished in the 1970s.
"If it contributed to show Torbay Council that we do use the pool and we do care and that we are prepared to stand up to them, then it has served its purpose.
"Hopefully, they won't try to trash other historic buildings in the Bay."
Jenny Harriman, vice chairman of the Friends of Shoalstone Pool, said English Heritage's decision may have been a blessing in disguise.
She said: "While disappointing, the friends were also aware that listed status would have entailed a great many restrictions in terms of the materials used to maintain and repair the pool and its outbuildings."
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