Plans submitted for 54 homes in Wellgate

An artist's impression of how the site could look

Rotherham Borough Council has filed proposals for 54 properties on the land around grade II-listed Wellgate Old Hall.

Maurice Healy - owner of the 340-year-old building - complained about the shoddy state of the boards in the Advertiser in June, saying it created a gateway to the town centre as bad as fire-damaged Corporation Street at the other end.

Mr Healy accused the council of dragging its heels in looking to regenerate the site, which was home to Henley’s garage in the middle of the last century.

Now RMBC has replaced the hoarding and submitted plans for 34 apartments in two blocks - one either side of Wellgate Old Hall - plus a row of 20 houses behind. Vehicle access would be from Hollowgate.

Planning papers from architects Bond Bryan said: “The proposed design seeks to respect the strong building line of the Old Hall, ensuring ample distance to either side.

“A minor set back ensures good long views of the building on approach along Wellgate from the south.”

RMBC has said the council-owned land had been set aside for residential use as part of the masterplan target of having more people living in the town centre.

The old hall was built in about 1680, when it stood in its own, extensive grounds before being converted into four cottages.

Later it was home to Citizens Advice and currently contains financial firms.

The housing proposals will be judged by RMBC’s planning board at a date to be fixed.

The council has also applied for planning permission for 53 properties - including a six-storey block of apartments - at the Millfold House site on Westgate.