Warwick District Council's conservation team has expressed its concerned about the future of one of Warwick's most important historic buildings following the objection by the owners to the council's Compulsory Purchase Order.

Since being purchased privately more than 30 years ago, the site of the medieval Leper Hospital situated in Saltisford, comprising The Master's House, St Michael's Chapel and an Ancient Monument has laid in ruins with no definitive plans coming forward for its regeneration.

Following numerous approaches to purchase the land for a planned restoration of the Grade II listed site, in January 2021 the council served a CPO in its efforts to protect the historic buildings.

Warwick District Council's Portfolio Holder for Development Councillor John Cooke commented: "With the ownership of a listed building such as the leper hospital comes the responsibility of its custodianship.

"In this case the building, which is an important part of Warwick's heritage is now at risk. We therefore have no choice than to proceed with the CPO process. Nonetheless, the district council remains committed to keeping an open dialogue with the owners to see whether (even at this late stage) mutually acceptable terms can be agreed."

The site of Warwick's Leper Hospital was first used by Roger de Newburgh in 1135, and is the oldest leper hospital in England still standing. The current buildings date back to the 15th century.

The remains are listed on Historic England's Heritage At Risk Register as 'very bad'.

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