An application for listed building consent has now been lodged as part of plans to convert a derelict former mansion and the estate around it for a new housing development.
Ian Boyes, of Marian Construction, hopes to secure a change of use for the grade two listed Normanby Hall, in Middlesbrough, and create 11 new “attractive” apartments, along with more than 40 houses – a mixture of detached bungalows for the over 55s and terraced almshouses – which will overlook a communal garden and be accompanied by new amenity spaces.
In March the Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed how there had been more than a hundred objections from neighbours in the Normanby Hall Park area unhappy with the proposals which are yet to be considered by Redcar and Cleveland Council.
Meanwhile, Normanby ward councillor Paul Salvin said they were a “clear overdevelopment”.
A newly submitted structural condition report in respect of the hall by TDN Structural Limited resulting from an inspection in April said the property had suffered from water ingress and access to the first floor was restricted.
It said the front apex roof was missing, along with several chimney pots and coping stones, along with the majority of gutters and downpipes.
Daylight is said to be visible through missing roof tiles, although masonry walls and stonework are described as being in typically good condition.
The report said the missing elements needed to be replaced or renewed in order to make the building watertight, before the remaining remedial works required to assist in the restoration of the property could proceed.
A photo also showed fire damage in one section, likely to have been caused by arson.
A previously submitted design and access statement prepared by Middlesbrough-based Logic Architecture, acting as an agent on behalf of the applicant, said that the proposed regeneration would “rescue and cease further decline of a significant local building”.
It described how the hall had increasingly suffered damage as a result of anti-social behaviour and redevelopment was considered the best solution to improving its security.
While some vegetation would have to be cleared on the surrounding land for the housing development, a biodiversity “net gain” was also predicted.
The statement said: “The masterplan and design for the new build represents a very considered and sympathetic solution and an opportunity for the wider Normanby Hall site to not only rescue the hall from further decline, but also benefit from the removal of an ASB (anti social behaviour) headache to the wider community.”
The hall’s last use up until 2015 was as a nursing home until this closed, having previously belonged to former Middlesbrough FC chairman Charles Amer.
It was built by William Ward-Jackson, the son of former Conservative MP Charles Ward-Jackson and designed by renowned architect Ignatius Bonomi.
Bonomi designed the Skerne Bridge, in Darlington, one of the first railway bridges in Britain and part of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, and was the architect behind commissions undertaking work on a number of historic buildings, including Durham Castle and Durham Prison.
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