What's happening with Ollerton Hall?

Ollerton Hall is soon to have a new developer after years of changing hands and varied building opportunities.

The property was bought back by Newark and Sherwood District council in 2016 after developers failed to make progress with building.

Bid offers for the hall are currently being assessed by the district council in terms of price, proposed use, track record of the companies seeking development and evidence of finance.

After a legal process and arbitration the hall was re-secured by the district council on June 7, 2016.

Since that time, the council has removed all unsightly extensions and undertaken repair work to ensure the building is wind and watertight and was put back on the market in January this year.

A number of offers have been received.

The Sue Ryder Foundation

Ollerton Hall was sold by the district to the Sue Ryder Foundation in 1990 with a covenant restricting its subsequent sale.

The foundation wished to make the building a specialist care home but after commencing work – including extensive roof repairs – failed to fully comply with permissions of the district.

The hall then fell into disrepair and remained vacant, but under the original terms of the sale, the district council were able to buy-back the hall for £1 in 2003.

Pullan Homes

After the Sue Ryder Foundation's failed attempts redevelop the building, it was sold to Kevin Pullan of Sheffield-based Pullan Homes, who hoped to make the historic building into luxury apartments.

But after initiating work on the hall in December 2007, concerns were raised as to whether development being carried out was in accordance with approved plans.

And following a visit from planning enforcement officers in April 2008, a letter was sent to Mr Pullan issuing a temporary stop notice.

Seven more site visits by officers confirmed works on Ollerton Hall were continuing despite a temporary stop notice being served to Pullan Homes.

Mr Pullan admitted to breaching the temporary stop notice at Worksop magistrates' court and was subsequently fined £5,000 and ordered to pay £800 costs.

The council said arbitration on the buy-back clause ruled the 300-year-old listed building should be transferred back to the local authority.

What will it be replaced with?

As with most heritage assets, their optimum use is often the use they were originally intended for, which in this case is a residential use.

However, the building may be suitable for a wide range of uses as the council say they will judge any proposals on their own merit, to ensure any proposed use is compatible with the historic fabric of the building.

How will the council ensure its redevelopment?

Offers are currently being assessed on the basis of price, acceptability of proposed use, track record of the company seeking to development, and evidence of finance.

In addition the council is proposing that works are undertaken on a lease basis, with any freehold disposal only taking place when any milestones in terms of building works are completed.

Newark and Sherwood district council hope to provide a full update as and when terms are signed with the preferred developer, likely in October 2019.

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