05-08-2025
Investigation into demolition of 200-year-old Durham building remains ongoing
An investigation is ongoing after a 200-year-old building near Durham City was reduced to rubble.
The kiln, on the site of the former Kepier Hospital, came down in July with pictures showing a huge pile of bricks remaining.
Durham County Council previously confirmed that its planning team was investigating the incident.
The brick kiln was left reduced to rubble (Image: DJ Aerial Photography)
Stephen Reed, the council's planning manager, said: 'We have recently received a report about the kiln being demolished and our planning enforcement team is investigating.'
The kiln was previously used as part of the brickworks in Durham City, before being used by the neighbouring Kepier Farm until the second half of the 20th century.
The 200-year-old brick kiln (Image: DJ Aerial Photography) It was considered a 'non-designated historical asset' by Historic England, and it is understood permission would be needed to do any works.
The kiln sat for many years on open countryside land as a historic site and a nod to County Durham's industrial past.
Bricks on the old site of Kepier Hospital (Image: DJ Aerial Photography) Historic England describe 'non-designated heritage assets' as buildings, monuments, sites, places, areas or landscapes identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions.
This site was added to the Local List in November 2023, meaning the building was classed as 'historically significant' by the council.
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Belmont Parish Councillor Richard Hornby said in a Facebook post: "I was very disappointed to find out today that the Kepier brick kiln, a non-designated heritage asset within the City of Durham Conservation Area, has been demolished at the weekend.
"As someone who is passionate about protecting our heritage, it is very sad to see what has happened to one of the oldest structures in our ward."
Northern Powergrid has confirmed the demolition wasn't carried out by them or their contractors.
