Apartments bid for historic hall
COUNCIL AGRESS DEAL WITH DEVELOPER TO BRING COUNTRY HOUSE BACK INTO USE
A COUNTRY house which has been vacant for more than 50 years could be converted into apartments.
Grade Ii-listed Ollerton Hall dates back to around 1700 and Newark and Sherwood District Council has agreed with Severns (Ollerton) Limited to convert the property if planning permission is granted.
The hall in Main Street, Ollerton, is council-owned and was once home to the Markham family.
Thomas Markham settled at Ollerton in the latter part of the 16th century and his family is credited with the original hall, having connections to Queen Elizabeth I.
The family mansion was rebuilt early in the 18th century. It was subsequently owned by the National Coal Board to house workers from nearby pits and their families.
The current agreement comes after a preferred developer was found.
Councillor David Lloyd, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Ollerton Hall is an important historic landmark which had sadly suffered a number of false starts over the years and remains a vacant gem in need of attention.
The innovative and collaborative approach we are now taking to bring the building back into long-term use will mean the building will once again make an important contribution to the area.”
The developer is now required to submit a planning application for the conversion.
This will include a consultation with the local community.
The application is expected to be submitted in the summer.
Councillor Neal Mitchell, district councillor for Ollerton, said: “Ollerton Hall is such an important part of the heritage of Ollerton, and it is wonderful that it will finally be brought back into use.”
Subject to planning permission Severns (Ollerton) Limited will be required to build out the scheme under a lease agreement with the council.
The purchase of Ollerton Hall will only take place when works are complete to the satisfaction of the council.
Adam Cavell, director of Severns (Ollerton) Limited, said: “We are excited to be given the opportunity to transform this remarkable building into residential apartments. Ollerton Hall was once a family home and we believe it has the potential to be transformed into high-quality apartments.”
“We look forward to the next stages of the process and for the future of Ollerton Hall.”