Action call for crumbling Wigan hall

Winstanley Hall is a “treasure that must be protected”, a councillor has warned.
Winstanley HallWinstanley Hall
Winstanley Hall

Coun Paul Kenny has called on Dorbcrest Homes, which owns the Grade II listed building, to outline its plans for its future.

Its destiny is attracting further scrutiny following an “options appraisal” report delivered to its owner at least 12 months ago.

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Winstanley Hall and its stable block have been on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register for years.

A £170,000 grant was given for urgent repairs in 2015 but fears remain for the premises’ further deterioration.

Formerly owned by the Bankes family, the stately pile was bought by Dorbcrest in 2000 and since then the Wigan developer has had a planning application rejected by Wigan Council.

The town hall has confirmed to ward representative Coun Kenny that no pre-application talks have been held since the report went to Dorbcrest.

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Coun Kenny said: “Winstanley Hall is very much a treasure that must be protected and retained. Its deterioration is a matter of deep concern for many people who have contacted me.

“I appreciate that decisions on the future development of the site are difficult and that any scheme that comes forward must be financially viable.

“I also believe that a future planning application would prove to be extremely controversial given the Grade II listing and may deliver objections from key stakeholders like Historic England.

“However, given the public interest, I believe now is the time for Dorbcrest to set out its vision for the hall in light of the options appraisal.”

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Coun Kenny has written to Dorbcrest requesting a meeting with councillors and a representative of the Save Winstanley Hall group.

Marie Bintley, assistant director for housing and growth, said: “We have met previously with Dorbcrest Homes and Historic England to discuss developments for the future and continuously look to engage in discussions which seek to bring back the site into beneficial use as we are aware of its historic importance and importance within the community.

“We continue to seek a further meeting with Dorbcrest to identify their aspirations for the site as owners of the hall.”

Dorbcrest has been contacted for a comment.