Plans have been given the go-ahead to transform Middlesbrough’s only Grade I listed building into a business and conference hub, restaurant and wedding venue.
The refurbishment of Acklam Hall and a housing development on the grounds of the 17th century building have proved controversial - with several objections being made.
But Middlesbrough Council’s planning committee has now approved plans for a mixed use development including a business and conference venue, a restaurant, offices, a function space for weddings as well as a deli and flower shop.
The former nursery and bedrooms of the hall, which feature original fireplaces and light decorations, will become a business centre with office facilities.
The front room in the second storey spans the width of the house and is expected to become one of the town’s most sought-after venues and could be used for weddings and executive functions.
The hall, built in 1680, boasts original intricate clay features of rosebuds, birds and dragons along the ceilings which have been carefully patched up and replicated.
The last part of the hall to be built, in 1912, is ready to be fitted and will be the main formal dining area.
Workers have been replacing parts of the roof, restoring ceilings and the old windows.
The wider site will include a medical village and 56 new houses.
Neil Whittingham, of developers Acklam Hall Ltd, has previously insisted the housing development will reflect the historical context of Acklam Hall saying his team was taking a “cotton wool” approach to the refurbishment.
He said: “The function of this hall is to ensure that what we put in, such as the restaurant and business centre, complements the rest of the ground surroundings so that visitors aren’t faced with a new dark, modern place.”
The committee approved the plans subject to conditions including the retails units only operating as a deli and flower shop.
And due to concerns about light pollution and glare from the floodlights affecting nearby residents, details of any floodlights need to be submitted and approved by the local planning authority.
The application was seen by the committee to be an “acceptable form of development” and that the changes of use would not prejudice the character of Acklam Hall.
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