The demolition of two historic gate lodges near Banbridge has been slammed by local conversation and heritage professionals.
The twin gate lodges at Brookfield House, on the Scarva Road, were built between 1860 and 1979.
Given their historic significance, both were granted listed status, to ensure their preservation.
They had previously appeared on the buildings at risk register, given their state of disrepair.
Conservationists had hoped that they would be restored.
But both have now been completely demolished instead.
The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society has hit out at the loss of the gate lodges and what such an action means for the heritage sector.
A spokesperson said: “UAH are appalled to discover the demolition of the listed twin gate lodges at Brookfield House, Banbridge.
“All outbuildings to Brookfield have also been demolished (listed alongside the house).
“This is extremely concerning for the heritage sector and a bitter blow to the architectural heritage of Banbridge.
“”Brookfield is a linen house dating from 1760 with later modifications by the architect Thomas Jackson. It was occupied by the Smyth family who owned a number of mills in the district.”
JAK Dean, writing in his book The Gate Lodges of Ulster, which was published in 1994, described the properties, now demolished, as “a modest pair of lodges facing each other across the avenue between inner and outer gate screens…single storey with hardly a vestige of architectural pretension”.
The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, added: “We expect action from the relevant authorities to protect our heritage assets and deal with such blatant disregard for our finite built heritage.”
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