Bewsey Hall inquiry halted

THE public inquiry into the future of Warrington’s historic Bewsey Old Hall has been dramatically halted – apparently because of a blunder by the would-be developers.
Plans submitted for an enabling development of 48 apartments in the grounds of the Grade 2 listed hall take up more space than originally envisaged.
A spokeswoman for the Planning Inspectorate said: “The plans submitted take up a bit more space than was thought so the hearing has been adjourned.
“The inquiry will now be resumed on September 30.”
In fact, I understand the plans as submitted show the enabling development – vital to finance the restoration of the old hall itself – encroaching on adjoining land owned by The Woodland Trust.
The inquiry was originally expected to last two days but had entered its third day at the Halliwell Jones Stadium when the adjournment came.
It is into an appeal by urban renewal specialists Urban Splash against Warrington Borough Council’s refusal to grant planning consent for the conversion of Bewsey Old Hall into apartments and the construction of 48 more apartments in the grounds.
The council claims the proposals would be out of character with the area and would deny public access to one of the town’s most historic buildings.
There has been strong objections from neighbours, councillors and local organisations, who claim 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 to bring it back into use, it has stood virtually unused and in a deteriorating condition for many years. Objectors to the current proposal would prefer to see the building preserved for community use.
The hall was originally built by William Fitz Almeric le Boteler and was home to the Lords of Warrington from the 13th Century. It was purchased by the former Warrington New Town Development Corporation in the late 60s or early 70s when some restoration work was carried out.
In 1997 a campaign was launched to turn it into a tourist attraction- but came to nothing.