Stately home's £11m restoration plan is approved

AMBITIOUS eight-figure proposals to bring a neglected 16th century stately home back to life have found favour with planners.
Firbeck HallFirbeck Hall
Firbeck Hall

The £11 million rescue package from Sophia Property Developments will see Firbeck Hall — built in 1594 — converted into 21 apartments.

Three more flats will be added in the stable block while the 20th century extension will be demolished for a further eight properties.

Rotherham Borough Council’s planning board voted in favour of the plans this morning (Thursday).

An RMBC spokesman said: “The proposal for the conversion of the grade II-listed hall and stable block is considered to be acceptable in design and conservation terms and is to be greatly welcomed in bringing this long derelict site back into use.”

The hall was an exclusive country retreat in the 1930s, favoured by royalty and Hollywood stars. During the Second World War it was an RAF base and part of the Sheffield Royal Infirmary.

It was later a rehabilitation hospital for workers who suffered industrial injuries until it closed in 1990 and has been empty since.

The spokesman said the restoration of the historic site provided special circumstances for approval of such a development in the green belt.

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