Newark and Sherwood District Council approve plans to bring Ollerton Hall back into use sooner and prevent delays

A council have agreed to bring forward heritage works on a grade II listed building after meeting to discuss changes to its sale and prevent delays.

The cabinet of Newark and Sherwood District Council were asked to approve an amendment to the proposed terms of sale of Ollerton Hall to allow the council to dispose of the property earlier than originally planned — subject to the completion of all necessary heritage works.

The most recent proposals were discussed after plans to convert Ollerton Hall into eight homes were approved by a planning committee back in April.

In addition to the eight homes, a new bin and cycle store would be erected, landscaping works will take place and 22 car parking spaces will be added to the site.

However, under the approved planning permission the grade II listed building must first be sympatheticlaly refurbished by the developer to maintain the historic character and architectural details of the building, while also bringing it up to current safety standards on a lease prior to a pre-approved full sale.

Due to inflationary rises and costs, the developer asked to bring this process forward so that they can bring the building back into use and begin generating revenue sooner.

Attempts had been made over the years to bring the hall back into use, but all failed, with the council re-aquiring the property in 2016.

Speaking at the meeting, Matthew Spoors said: “Ollerton Hall is one of those building that has been in the community for many years and has had a tough time of it.

“We are looking to approve an amendment to the terms of sale to allow the council to dispose of it to the developer slightly earlier than was originally scheduled so that they can crack on.

“Essentially so that the developer can finish the hertiage works prior to being able to receive funds from finance companies and banks and then complete the rest of the works.”

Director of planning and growth, Matt Lamb, said: “This is a disposal that is slightly unusual. Rather than going through market sale we have elected to go through a lisence process.

“We allow a building to go through a mini lease to a point at which we are comfortable that the building is fit for purpose and then it can be disposed of at a later date.

“As described there is a need to bring that forward to allow the developer to finance it.”

Lee Brazier, said: “Ollerton Hall is the centrepiece to the entrance to Ollerton.

“I really am looking forward to seeing this coming back to some level of glory and I know the residents are ready for this to progress and any delay would not be appropriate.”

Leader of the council, Paul Peacock, said: “I think this has been going on for an awful long time.

“Now we have a good chance of getting this over the line.”

The new proposal was deemed acceptable by cabinet and approved by all who voted, with one abstention.