Consultation call over historic hall changes

Barnsley Council has been asked for planning permission for alterations to parts of Wortley Hall, between Barnsley and Sheffield, which is currently used as a functions venue.

An application has been made for improvements to the Wortley Hall Club and Courtyard, on the ground floor of the Western Wing.

Listed Building Consent is needed before any work can go ahead and the aim is to make changes including the removal of a partition wall, removal of modern timber windows and concrete sills to reintroduce original arched openings, using one of them to create a new access between the club and the courtyard.

If approved, the work would also involve levelling the cobbled courtyard to remove a drop, allowing for disabled access.

There have been no objections from Wortley Parish Council or English Heritage and planning officials are recommending the application is approved if the Government does not want to intervene.

A report to councillors states: "The alterations put forward are considered sympathetic to the historic and architectural fabric of the listed structure.

"The stone arches are retained and utilized as a feature as is the cobbled courtyards which both are historic features of the building. English Heritage has been consulted and has raised no objection to the works.

"The courtyard is well screened by the western wing of the building and the alterations shall not be visible from outside the Wortley Hall grounds.

"The alterations put forward are sympathetic in terms of design and are not considered visually detrimental."