PLANS to recreate a thatched roof on one of Hull's oldest domestic dwellings are set to be shelved amid fears it could become a target for arsonists from Bransholme.
An historic buildings trust currently working on Victoria Cottage in Lowgate, Sutton, say the proximity of the estate is one factor behind its move.
The former farmhouse dates from the late 17th century. It is currently being restored to something close to its original glory by the Buildings At Risk Trust, which acquired the property from its previous owner in 2009.
But the trust says it now wants to abandon proposals to cover the roof in traditional thatch because it could be vulnerable to an arson attack.
Under the facelift project, the cottage will eventually be divided into two properties, one for sale and the other for rent.
In a planning submission to Hull City Council, the trust says: "While an existing consent has been obtained to re-cover the main property's roof in thatch following research to confirm this was the original roof covering, it has become a concern that it may be inappropriate to reinstate this covering, primarily due to fears of an enhanced fire hazard.
"The properties front the road and because the construction is fundamentally single storey, the thatch with its required overhang of the wall plate would be within easy reach of a passer-by.
"It is of considerable concern that this might present an enhanced passive fire hazard, for example from a discarded cigarette, or perhaps of more concern an allurement to someone to attempt to light the thatch.
"While it is disappointing to have to consider the locality of the Bransholme estate as a factor, it is a concern which many passing local residents have informally discussed during the repair programme."
A new planning application seeking approval to re-roof the grade two listed building with clay pantiles will be considered by city councillors next week after they carry out a site visit to inspect the ongoing work.
The cottage had a tiled roof when it was originally designated as a listed building.
In its submission, the trust says a thatched roof could still be considered at some point.
It said: "If, in the future, the situation is perceived to have changed, the roof can be recovered in thatch as the roof repairs have been carried out in the expectation that the covering would be thatch.
"One great concern initially in 2010 regarding the re-tiling of the property was the ability of the roof to support the extra weight of the tile covering versus the thatch.
"This concern has been ameliorated as the repairs have reintroduced considerable strength to the roof, which previous decay and ill-considered alterations had removed."
