ONE of Beverley's finest houses looks set to be sold off to developers, despite appeals for a stay of execution.
Norwood House, built in 1760 for lawyer and three times Mayor of Beverley Jonathan Midgley, belongs to the age of the Prince Regent, Brighton Pavilion and masked balls.
After being left vacant by Beverley High School in 2000, the council-owned Gra
de I listed building faced an uncertain future.
For the past seven years campaigners have been trying to save the building for community use through Norwood House Beverley Ltd, but earlier this year the company withdrew its Heritage Lottery Fund application.
A report to next week's meeting of the East Riding Council's Cabinet says there are no "immediate prospects" of bringing the property, which is on English Heritage's at risk register, back into use.
Director of planning and economic regeneration Alan Menzies says in a report that there has been interest "even in the current economic climate" from developers and individuals.
The report recommends declaring the building surplus to requirements and inviting expressions of interest for redevelopment.
It adds: "It has to be accepted that after over seven years, the likelihood of Norwood House Beverley Ltd delivering a long term and sustainable future for the building is remote as it is difficult to see how funding can be secured for a restoration and redevelopment."
Campaigners have written to the council asking for more time "to turn this nationally important building into a valuable local resource."
But others believe it is time to act. Historian John Markham said: "The Georgian Society for East Yorkshire decided not to support the appeal for a delay because we feel there has been a long enough delay already. I must stress that we want it preserved and feel more will be gained by this method."
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