Plans to restore a building more than 450 years old were making our headlines five years ago this week.

A “beautiful” 1540s timber-framed Grade II listed building is set to be restored after it was listed as “at risk” by a conservation group.

Waltham Forest council has pledged funding to restore Pimp Hall dovecote, in King’s Road, Chingford.

It was placed on Historic England’s “at risk” register and is listed as being in a “very bad” condition.

Constructed from massive oak timbers, the structure is a reminder of the significance the area held for farming and hunting during the Tudor period.

It was capable of supporting 250 nests, or 500 birds, with an output of 75 young birds each week.

The dovecote building, in which doves or pigeons were once kept for food, can be found in Pimp Hall Nature Reserve on the former land of the 16th Century Pimps Hall, gardens and farm.

The hall was used as a working farm until 1934, when it was bought by Chingford council and the site divided between allotments, a council-run nursery, and the small park in which the barn and dovecote are located.

Since that time, the dovecote’s timber frame has deteriorated, and the structure has been the target of vandalism.

Now Waltham Forest council is currently exploring how best to restore and protect the building and see it removed from the “at risk” register managed by Historic England.

Claire Ford, chair of Friends of Pimp Hall Park and Nature Reserve, said: “We are all very excited that the dovecote is going to be restored.

“Funding from the council will mean that this beautiful, listed building can once again be a wonderful reminder of our joint history and heritage in Chingford.”

Council leader Chris Robbins said it is currently carrying out a study to work out what is needed for the restoration project.

He said: “As well as saving Pimp Hall dovecote for future generations, we want to open it up to the community and enable residents and visitors to learn more about its history and the Pimp Hall site through a series of events and educational resources.

“We hope one day to see the dovecote being used for special events, exhibitions or open days, but first we need to fully understand the scale of work required in order to preserve it for all to enjoy.”