Why historic hall 'rescue' was rejected

PLANNING chiefs at Warrington are to spell out the detailed reasons for the borough council’s decision to throw out the controversial “rescue” plan for historic Bewsey Old Hall.
Members of the development control committee last month refused planning consent to a scheme to convert the Grade 2 Listed building into seven apartments and build a block of 48 more apartments nearby.
In doing so, they went against the recommendations of their officers who asked for time to prepare a watertight case for refusal.
This will be presented to the committee at its meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) for approval.
There had been strong objections to the proposals from neighbours, councillors and local organisations, who claimed there would be a loss of green space, increased traffic congestion and a disregard for the heritage site, should the plans be given the green light.
Bewsey Old Hall is arguably Warrington’s most historic building. But despite various attempts over the years to bring it back into use, it stands virtually unused and in a deteriorating condition.
The rejection of the rescue plan by urban regeneration specialists Urban Splash Ltd puts Its future again in the balance.
The hall was originally built by William Fitz Almeric le Boteler and was home to the Lords of Warrington from the 13th Century.
The manor house – described as Warrington’s “hidden gem” was lost in a gambling debt 700 years ago by the Boteler family.
It is reputed to be haunted and in 1997 a campaign was launched to turn it into a tourist attraction.