Pictures: Historical find in garden of Whittington Moor home causing a stir with residents

A historical find in the garden of a man's home is causing a bit of a stir.

Resident Dave Revitt, 44, made the discovery in the back garden of his property on Pottery Lane West in Whittington Moor after some excavation work.

He was baffled at the find but has since been told it is a kiln to a down draught chimney.

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However, some residents have complained to Chesterfield Borough Council saying their gardens and fences and a neighbouring access road were collapsing due to the work carried out by Mr Revitt.

The council has issued Mr Revitt with an enforcement notice, but also said it is committed to working with him to ensure the kiln remains but is made safe.

“I was really excited when I found it,” Mr Revitt said.

“It has been there a long, long time.

“I did a lot of research but I could not find out what it is.

“I cannot see another one of its kind.

“It is quite intriguing.”

Mr Revitt has received dozens of messages in support of the find when he posted pictures of the kiln on a community Facebook page.

One man posted: “Incredible history! Wants preserving!”

Dave Revitt has uncovered a brick shaft that might possibly have been a kiln in his garden on Pottery LaneDave Revitt has uncovered a brick shaft that might possibly have been a kiln in his garden on Pottery Lane
Dave Revitt has uncovered a brick shaft that might possibly have been a kiln in his garden on Pottery Lane
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Another man wrote: “That’s an amazing find and no way should be filled in.”

And one woman said: “What a find!”

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for planning, said “Mr Revitt was issued with a planning enforcement notice following complaints from neighbours that their gardens and fences, along with a neighbouring access road used by vehicles, were collapsing due to work Mr Revitt has carried out to excavate the entire length and width of his garden to a considerable depth.

“We have offered to work with Mr Revitt to find a solution to displaying the feature he has uncovered provided the excavated land is restored so the access road and neighbouring land and fencing is not at risk of collapse.

“Mr Revitt has appealed against the enforcement notice so the matter will now be considered by an independent planning inspector. This process is likely to take eight to ten weeks.”