News: Wentworth Woodhouse legal battle reaches Court of Appeal
The dispute between the owners of Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham and the Coal Authority over a claim for damages has been heard by the Court of Appeal.
Clifford Newbold and his sons, the owners of Wentworth Woodhouse since 1999, have been examining options for the long-term sustainable uses for the Grade 1 Listed building in order to ensure the heritage is preserved and enjoyed for future generations, as well as using the opportunity to help generate employment.
Key to this is a claim for damages against the Coal Authority for at least £100m, in respect of the damage caused by the deep and open cast mining, which is being disputed.
The Coal Authority attempted to stop the claim in the Lands Chamber of the Upper Tribunal last year, arguing that the two damage notices served by the owners were invalid. The judge, Mr George Bartlett QC, ruled in favour of the Newbold family, concluding that the Coal Authority's case was "without merit" and that "the Authority's contention that the notices were invalid must fail."
The case was expected to go to a full hearing but lawyers acting for The Coal Authority asked that the decision be overturned by the Court of Appeal.
The case was heard this week by Lord Justice Longmore, Lord Justice McFarlane and Sir Stanley Burnton at the Court of Appeal. The judges have reserved judgement to consider the case further.
On learning of the Authority's decision to appeal, the Newbold brothers said in a statement last year: "The Coal Authority is wasting time and money which will, of course, mean additional costs which can only put in further jeopardy one of the country's finest Grade I Listed Buildings."
Plans were unveiled in 2011 for the mansion house to create a combination of publicly accessible restored museum to the central and grandest rooms, as well as a 70 suite luxury hotel and spa to the remainder. The proposal hopes to revive the use of the house in such a way that minimises alteration and change to the historic building, making best use of the spaces that can be open to the public.
Lead consultants, Purcell Miller Tritton are working on the plans and an experienced technical team was put in place including architects, cost consultants and property specialists, to bring the project forward. It was hoped that it would begin last year and aspects to be completed in 2015.
Developments have taken place at the "big house", including continued restoration works. Tours have begun highlighting some of the main rooms and a Victorian style tea room has opened in the house. A number of events are planned throughout the year, including a successful Spring Fayre last weekend, a Flower Power Fair on July 14 and a Heritage Car Rally on September 1. BBC's Antiques Roadshow is also scheduled to film in September.
The college buildings and stables are currently being used by Wakefield Prison Guards for dog training and planning permission is being sought for a green access road from the north to access the existing playing field.
Wentworth Woodhouse website
Images: Wentworth Woodhouse
Clifford Newbold and his sons, the owners of Wentworth Woodhouse since 1999, have been examining options for the long-term sustainable uses for the Grade 1 Listed building in order to ensure the heritage is preserved and enjoyed for future generations, as well as using the opportunity to help generate employment.
Key to this is a claim for damages against the Coal Authority for at least £100m, in respect of the damage caused by the deep and open cast mining, which is being disputed.
The Coal Authority attempted to stop the claim in the Lands Chamber of the Upper Tribunal last year, arguing that the two damage notices served by the owners were invalid. The judge, Mr George Bartlett QC, ruled in favour of the Newbold family, concluding that the Coal Authority's case was "without merit" and that "the Authority's contention that the notices were invalid must fail."
The case was expected to go to a full hearing but lawyers acting for The Coal Authority asked that the decision be overturned by the Court of Appeal.
The case was heard this week by Lord Justice Longmore, Lord Justice McFarlane and Sir Stanley Burnton at the Court of Appeal. The judges have reserved judgement to consider the case further.
On learning of the Authority's decision to appeal, the Newbold brothers said in a statement last year: "The Coal Authority is wasting time and money which will, of course, mean additional costs which can only put in further jeopardy one of the country's finest Grade I Listed Buildings."
Plans were unveiled in 2011 for the mansion house to create a combination of publicly accessible restored museum to the central and grandest rooms, as well as a 70 suite luxury hotel and spa to the remainder. The proposal hopes to revive the use of the house in such a way that minimises alteration and change to the historic building, making best use of the spaces that can be open to the public.
Lead consultants, Purcell Miller Tritton are working on the plans and an experienced technical team was put in place including architects, cost consultants and property specialists, to bring the project forward. It was hoped that it would begin last year and aspects to be completed in 2015.
Developments have taken place at the "big house", including continued restoration works. Tours have begun highlighting some of the main rooms and a Victorian style tea room has opened in the house. A number of events are planned throughout the year, including a successful Spring Fayre last weekend, a Flower Power Fair on July 14 and a Heritage Car Rally on September 1. BBC's Antiques Roadshow is also scheduled to film in September.
The college buildings and stables are currently being used by Wakefield Prison Guards for dog training and planning permission is being sought for a green access road from the north to access the existing playing field.
Wentworth Woodhouse website
Images: Wentworth Woodhouse
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