The future of a more than 300-year-old Nottinghamshire hall has been decided after decades of 'false starts'. Ollerton Hall on Main Street, Ollerton has been empty for many years, but will be turned into eight apartments after plans were approved at Newark & Sherwood District Council's planning committee on April 20.
The hall, a Grade II* listed building built in 1700, has recently come back into the ownership of the council following years of uncertainty and a lack of progress on site by the previous owner. Planning documents explained the council had a new land deal with applicant Severns Developments, with the building offered on a lease until the new project is "satisfactorily complete" and can be sold.
The scheme, which was recommended for approval by council planning officers, was greeted with excitement by members of the planning committee who wished to see the building's future settled after a series of failed plans. Councillor Andy Freeman: "[I] welcome the application, its really good to see a building like this come into use after so many years. I only wish ex-councillor Stan Crawford [former Newark and Sherwood District Council leader who passed away in 2014] were around to see this because he's probably be pleased as well."
Poll: Should the UK deal with snow better? Have your say here
Councillor Ivor Walker: "Two words chairman. [I've been] on this committee for a long, long time so... at last."
Councillor Roger Blaney, chairman of the planning committee, added: "I am absolutely delighted this has come before us, we have had false starts on Ollerton Hall - too many, over too long a period of time, let's get on with it."
As the committee went to vote, a councillor asked if members could put up two hands in approval, to which chairman Mr Blaney quipped "let's all wave them". The vote approved the planning application and associated listed building consent application unanimously.
Planning permission was granted in 1990 to convert the building to a health care facility and construct a single storey extension, which was built in the wrong place. A previous scheme for a more intensive conversion to 25 residential units by the previous owner was refused and dismissed on appeal 10 years ago.
Historical figure Sir Thomas Markham settled at Ollerton in the latter part of the 16th century and his family is credited with the original hall. Sir Markham was a Member of the House of Commons for Ollerton and for a period served as part of Queen Elizabeth I's household.
The proposal involves replacement windows and glazing patterns, with the council stating the property was currently in disrepair. A planning committee report explained that although some improvements will be made, the building will be "conserved, repaired and reinstated in a sympathetic manner".
A four bay garage and separate store building were initially proposed as part of the scheme, but the garage building was removed following concerns. A total of 22 car parking spaces are proposed alongside the northern boundary and to the northwest.
Are you planning an event for King Charles III’s Coronation? Let us know here
READ NEXT:
Inspector warns students to secure accommodation after rise in burglaries
Neighbours shocked after man found stabbed in 'nice little town'
How empty Nottingham high street has transformed into a 'cool and fresh' destination
11-minute exercise that cuts risks of stroke, cancer and heart disease, say scientist
