MONMOUTH archaeologists fear that history may be about to repeat itself nearly thirty years after Kwiksave was allowed to demolish a Georgian building.

Archaeologist Steve Clarke claims that another historic building in Monnow Street is in danger of being pulled down after the owner maintains the building is structurally unsound and essentially fit for demolition. .

“No 20 Monnow Street (next to Lloyds Bank) has fallen into a poor state of repair, is full of pigeons and has been boarded off because pieces have fallen off the façade,” he said.

The Archaeological Society claim that a decision to demolish the building would endanger some of the most important archaeology in the country as the site lies over the defences of both Monmouth’s Roman and Norman towns while the ditches of the earliest Roman Fort in Wales also run under the building.

Of further international importance is the unique pre-Norman building discovered on the frontage of the adjoining burgage – No 24 – which is thought to continue under No 20.

“The site next door (No 24) was excavated by Monmouth Archaeological Society over ten years when the discoveries included prehistoric settlements as well as Medieval, Norman and Anglo-Saxon domestic remains.”

“There was, for instance, a unique seventh century Anglo-Saxon sword stud and pottery, as well as human remains” he added

The Monmouth Archaeological Society chairman claims that an appropriate archaeological mitigation excavation of the site “could cost hundreds of thousands of pounds”.

Communications from county council planners have fuelled fears that they may accede to a request to demolish the property, says the archaeologist.

Mr Clarke added: “I have given details of the known archaeology to the heritage officers explaining the historical interest of the site and we are hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. It would be a tragedy for the street scene if Monnow Street were to lose this building while the archaeology there is known to be truly exceptional.”

A spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) said its heritage team has been in negotiation with the owner of 20 Monnow Street for some time – “he maintains the building is structurally unsound and essentially fit for demolition”.

He continued: “The heritage team recognises there is clearly movement within the structure and has stressed the need for maintenance and evidence of fundamental structural issues to be provided by an appropriate specialist,” said a spokesman for the council.

“With the agreement of the heritage team the owner has arranged for the building to be clad in scaffolding and he is undertaking a ‘soft strip’ investigation to ascertain what is happening to the building. 

“We have not yet received any information but we will continue to monitor the situation. No agreement to demolish the building has been reached and in any case, a proposal to do so would be subject to an application for listed building consent. 

“This would be considered on its merits by the council.”

David Cummings, Chairman of Monmouth and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce said that the chamber has closely monitored developments in relation to this building over several years and was “instrumental”, through lobbying, in getting the collapsing canopy made safe. Despite assurances from the landlord of the property,  repairs to the canopy have not been made and the building has continued to deteriorate .

“The current boarded up state of the building is detrimental to the shoppers experience of Monnow Street and  a long term solution needs to be found. As this building lies in our Primary Shopping Frontages area the chamber are keen that the building continues to be used for A1 retail , or possibly a new visitor experience to increase footfall in the town.

“Knocking a listed building down would require the agreement not only of MCC, but also CADW.

“If the building is structurally unsound then it needs to be made safe,  but it would not be a solution to simply hold up the building with supports as this will make the view along Monnow Street even worse than at present .

“Let us hope that decision makers can find a solution which is acceptable to all users of Monnow Street,“ he added.