PLANS have been drawn up for a major extension to Warrington’s historic Walton Hall that will replace part of the building demolished 36 years ago.
The rear extension, which will house toilets and storage space, will follow the form and footprint of the original building demolished in 1977.
Planners say it will not cause harm to the existing heritage asset and, in fact, will make a positive contribution to its appearance by removing existing scarring on the rear elevation and replacing the built form lost when the demolition took place.
Despite a large rear projection, the extension to the Grade 2 Listed Building will not cause harm as it will be predominantly screened from view, say the planners.
Detailed proposals are to be put to the borough council’s planning committee next week with a recommendation for approval.
But if approved, the scheme will still have to be referred to the national Planning Casework Unit because the council owns Walton Hall.
Walton Hall, originally the home of the Greenall’s brewery family, was purchased by the local authority in 1941 for £18,000.
It stood deteriorating for years while councillors argued about what to do with it. Some regarded it as a “Victorian monstrosity” while others believed it to be a historic asset. It re-opened in 1984 after a £300,000 facelift.
