Major plans have been lodged to restore a neglected Grade II-listed building in South Cumbria to create a sustainable holiday retreat.
Abhall Limited has submitted a planning application to Westmorland and Furness Council to restore Abbot Hall on Kirkhead Road in Grange into a home and to offer holiday accommodation on the grounds.
The hall was built in 1840 and expanded in 1870. It was previously used as a hotel and holiday park until 2018 but has been unused since.
A design and access statement said: “Our client is planning to live on the site within Abbot Hall but they are looking to create a viable sustainable holiday retreat alongside forming their primary income with a phased approach to developing the site.
“The profit-making business will support the restoration of the hall and other buildings.”
Proposals include converting a 36-bedroom hotel, coffee shop, bistro, five conference rooms and leisure facilities into a private home.
Other proposals include the conversion of existing buildings into 11 cabins, a car port, a replacement swimming pool, staff accommodation, the construction of a terrace next to Kents Bank Train Station for a seasonal cafe and the use of the greenhouse as a function room.
Planning documents said the cafe was proposed to be sited next to the train station as it was more ‘suitably located’ than the existing cafe in the hotel and would provide employment to local people.
Proposals to convert the existing hotel in the courtyard into three new holiday homes are currently under development.
The planning statement added: “The whole site must be considered for the scheme to be commercially viable but conservation is at the core of proposals.
“Proposals must safeguard and enhance the site’s heritage assets and grounds. Therefore it is imperative that the hall is successfully restored as a home but also that the remaining portion of the site is beautifully reimagined as a holiday retreat.”
The planning application is currently undergoing public consultation.
