Views sought on Wentworth Woodhouse masterplan

Several options for redeveloping rundown sections of the massive mansion, its historic outbuildings and its 82 acres of grounds - which hosted Wentworth Music Festival last weekend - have been outlined by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust.

They all include a mix of residential, business and leisure use, with holiday lets, a fine-dining restaurant, shops and new events spaces all on the cards.

Planning consultant Kim Stabler said she and other members of the masterplan team from WWPT had visited everywhere from Chatsworth to Lanark Mills and Dumfries House in Scotland to pick up tips on opportunities and potential pitfalls.

“Everyone has been really supportive and forthcoming in sharing their stories from a conservation background,” she said.

The masterplan options can be seen on the Wentworth Woodhouse website and people have three weeks to have their say.

The finalised masterplan will be presented on a regional and national scale later in the year.

WWPT chief executive Sarah McLeod said the trust had no desire to compete with existing businesses in Wentworth.

“No firm decisions have been made and we really want people to be part of the process,” she said.

One of the first priorities for the trust is addressing car parking concerns, with 500 new spaces planned in four areas which will be screened from public view by new or existing tree lines.

This will involve reinstating a line of trees at the village end of the site which are shown on maps from the mid-19th century and demolishing the eyesore Lady Mabel College buildings.

WWPT chairwoman Julie Kenny said the final masterplan would be pulled together with public views taken into account and officially launched in the autumn.

Visit wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk to see the masterplan options and have your say.