A PLAN is being drawn up to try and save derelict former maltings which overlook the railway station in Thorpe-le-Soken.

Annie Davidson

A PLAN is being drawn up to try and save derelict former maltings which overlook the railway station in Thorpe-le-Soken.

The Grade II listed building, which has stood empty for years and is in a state of decay, has recently been added to English Heritage's Conservation Areas at Risk register.

Now Tendring District Council's cabinet has called for an investigation into what action could be taken to save the maltings from deteriorating further.

Members of the cabinet visited the site on Thursday and are now awaiting a report from council officers outlining the next steps.

They met with Tendring district councillor for Thorpe, Jose Powell, at the maltings to hear her views about the site.

Sarah Candy, cabinet member for planning at Tendring District Council, said that the authority was worried about the site's future.

Mrs Candy said: “We have asked for a report to be put before cabinet on the current position regarding these maltings which must be saved.

“We want to look at all the various options that could be open to the council to see if we can generate interest and funds to carry out a scheme before it is too late.”

She said that similar structures within the district had been rescued - such as Mistley Maltings - and she could not see why an acceptable initiative could not be found for Thorpe.

“Where there is a will there is a way and we just have to find it,” Mrs Candy added.

The maltings are owned by Rosegrade Developers and consultants are currently considering listed development proposals for the site and will be reporting back to the council.

Mrs Powell said: “We are desperate to see something happen to the maltings sooner rather than later, and before it is all collapses.”

The maltings at Mistley were also Grade II listed and had fallen into disrepair and stood empty for 25 years when plans were drawn up to regenerate them.

The project saw a partnership formed between authorities including Essex County Council, Mistley Parish Council and the Prince of Wales' Regeneration Through Heritage initiative.

The buildings were transformed into flats with commercial and business uses at the site which overlooks the River Stour.