Save 3 & 4 Low’s Lane

27/10/2025

I have no doubt that my comment will be hidden very shortly so just for my records:

Interesting post about supporting science and technology - pity that the birthplace of Hugh Oswald Short, one of Britain’s aviation pioneers, was demolished in your own constituency. It could have been turned into a small micro museum celebrating Stanton’s industrial and engineering heritage - a real nod to the innovation we’re supposed to be protecting. Hard to talk about the future of science when we’re knocking down its past.

👨‍🔬🔭 POST BOARD MEETING 🔭👨‍🔬

This week, I took part in my regular meeting to discuss the work of the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) ⚛📚

POST is an impartial research service in Parliament. Here, we work to ensure reliable research and expertise is available to members of both Houses of Parliament. This work is essential in making sure we- as your representatives- can make informed decisions! 📕🔍

In this meeting, we discussed the latest research and highlighted topics of importance and relevance to ongoing proceedings in the house! 🔬📐

As a scientist, and former teacher, it is an honour to be on the POST board. This is some of the quiet but crucial background work that people just don’t get to see, and I'm glad to report on it! 🤝😄

27/10/2025

27/10/2025

Campaigners had launched a petition and applied to have the buildings listed

25/10/2025

23/10/2025

I’m so sorry to have to share this. I’m appalled by the Council and the way they have handled this. Thank you to everyone who took the time to sign the petition and show support. We obviously scared them, hence rolling in the bulldozers. Will never forgive Wards and Verdant for this

Wiped Off the Map: Stanton’s History Bulldozed as Council Looks Away

The demolition of 3 and 4 Low’s Lane began this afternoon, and with it, a century of Stanton’s history is being reduced to rubble.

These weren’t just old cottages. They were the birthplace of Hugh Oswald Short, co-founder of Short Brothers, the pioneers who built Britain’s first aircraft. From a small Derbyshire village, the dream of flight took shape - and today, the bulldozers arrived.

All while Erewash Borough Council looked the other way.

In just a week, more than 750 people signed a petition calling for the cottages to be saved. An application to Historic England had been submitted. Locals pleaded for time - just a pause - to assess their historic value. But instead, the demolition went ahead with the council’s permission.

What could have been a proud heritage site - a place to inspire the next generation - will now become just another patch of land destined for industrial redevelopment.

It’s a bitter irony that the council’s own Stanton Regeneration SPD promises to “retain buildings of local interest where feasible and integrate them into new development proposals to preserve the area’s historic character.”

That promise lies in ruins - just like the cottages.

Residents have expressed disbelief and anger. “We’ve lost part of Stanton itself,” said one. “It’s not regeneration - it’s vandalism.”

The site forms part of the wider Stanton Regeneration Scheme, where large-scale redevelopment has been progressing for several years. Yet despite clear heritage links, the council did not intervene to protect the cottages or pause demolition to enable residents to share their views.

Between them, Erewash Borough Council and Verdant Regeneration Ltd - joint venture between the Ward and Grier families - have overseen the destruction of a landmark that connected Stanton to Britain’s earliest aviation story. What might have been restored and celebrated has instead been broken apart, leaving behind anger, disbelief, and deep wounds within the community.

Once again, history has been sacrificed in the name of “progress”.

The birthplace of British aviation has been wiped off the map - and all that remains is disappointment, and a deep sense of shame that Erewash Borough Council allowed it to happen.

This isn’t regeneration. It’s erasure.
And no amount of sheds or steel will ever replace what’s been lost.

22/10/2025

One Week In - Thank You!

It’s been just one week since we launched the campaign to save 3 & 4 Lows Lane, and already more than 700 people have signed the petition - that’s 700 voices saying our heritage is worth protecting.

Since launching, an application has been submitted to Historic England for the cottages to be considered for listed status, and Erewash Borough Council has been advised of our campaign activity.

Your support has helped spark media coverage, community debate, and real momentum - proving that local history still matters.

Please keep sharing the petition and encouraging others to sign - every name strengthens the call to pause demolition and explore a future for these historic cottages.

Sign the petition here: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/stanton

20/10/2025

Thank you to the Derby Telegraph for sharing our story on the front page today…

Please sign the petition here: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/stanton

20/10/2025

No.3 and 4 Lows Lane, complete with Blue Plaque, have been given the go-ahead for demolition

20/10/2025

17/10/2025

✈️ Did you know Britain’s first aircraft designer was born right here in Stanton-by-Dale?
The little red-brick cottages at 3 & 4 Lows Lane - birthplace of aviation pioneer Hugh Oswald Short - are about to be demolished.

Over 350 people have already signed the petition in just 24 hours calling on the council to pause demolition and protect this piece of our history.

Please take a moment to sign and share:
👉 https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/Stanton

Let’s make sure Stanton’s history isn’t lost forever. 💛

17/10/2025

✈️ Did you know Britain’s first aircraft designer was born right here in Stanton-by-Dale?

The little red-brick cottages at 3 & 4 Lows Lane - birthplace of aviation pioneer Hugh Oswald Short - are about to be demolished.

Over 350 people have already signed the petition in just 24 hours calling on the council to pause demolition and protect this piece of our history.

Please take a moment to sign and share:
👉 https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/Stanton

Let’s make sure Ilkeston and Stanton’s history isn’t lost forever. 💛

3 & 4 Lows Lane isn’t just another old cottage - it’s part of Stanton’s proud industrial history and the birthplace of Hugh Oswald Short, co-founder of Short Brothers and a pioneer of British aviation. From this small Derbyshire home, the Short brothers went on to design and build Britain....