QUESTION marks hang over two of the most important buildings in historic Grappenhall Village – the Rectory and the former Grappenhall Hall School.
Both are standing empty – and rumours have been sweeping the village that someone is interested in buying both.
The school closed in September when a new special school opened at Woolston to enable all SEN special education in Warrington to take place on one site.
Various rumours have spread about its future use – including a Free School, a boutique hotel and a care home.
But local councillor Mike Biggin has learned from the borough council that because the site has been used as a school, the borough has to obtain approval from the Secretary of State for Education before it can be disposed off.
An application for approval to dispose of the building has been made and the council is awaiting a decision.
Once agreement is reached, the site will be placed on the market – although the borough council is not aware of any prospective buyer with an interest.
When the high value site is eventually sold, the council plan to use the capital receipts to support SEN education in the borough.
The Grade 2 Listed rectory building has been standing empty for more than a decade and is in a deteriorating condition.
Early last year a campaign was launched by local people, with more than 200 people signing a petition calling for urgent action to ensure the building was restored to its former glory.
But the campaign was put on hold after the tragic death of its owner, Mike Sutton.
It is understood it is now going through probate.
Cllr Biggin said: “I first took this issue up for than 10 years ago and raised it with the borough council’s conservation officer.
“He is certainly keen that the building should be restored in accord with its Listed status.”
The boarded up Grappenhall School
