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To: Erewash Borough Council

Save Stanton’s Industrial Heritage - Protect 3 & 4 Lows Lane, Birthplace of British Aviation

Erewash Borough Council must immediately pause the planned demolition of 3 & 4 Lows Lane, Stanton-by-Dale - a locally listed historic building linked to aviation pioneer Hugh Oswald Short.

The council should review its decision, work with Historic England to assess the building for statutory listing, and explore options to incorporate it into the Stanton Regeneration plans rather than destroy it.


Why is this important?

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’s first aircraft, working alongside the Wright brothers and laying the foundations of our nation’s aviation industry.

Their later designs - including the Short Stirling, a key training aircraft in the Second World War - helped free up Lancaster bombers for critical missions, directly contributing to the war effort.

Demolishing this birthplace would erase a vital connection between Stanton’s industrial past and Britain’s technological progress. Almost everything else from that era has already disappeared - this cottage is one of the last remaining links to where it all began.

Once these historic places are gone, they’re gone forever. By standing together, we can show that our heritage matters - and that regeneration in Erewash should protect, not destroy, the places that tell our shared story.


3 Lows Ln, Stanton by Dale, Ilkeston DE7 4QU, UK

Maps © Stamen; Data © OSM and contributors, ODbL

Category

Updates

2025-10-22 22:42:57 +0100

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.

Thank you

2025-10-20 09:51:51 +0100

500 signatures reached

2025-10-15 19:49:29 +0100

100 signatures reached

2025-10-15 15:43:53 +0100

50 signatures reached

2025-10-15 13:13:35 +0100

25 signatures reached

2025-10-15 08:47:54 +0100

10 signatures reached