17th century hall to become complex of high quality homes

FULL planning approval has been granted to transform the Grade II-listed Somerford Booths Hall in Congleton, Cheshire into a new high quality housing development.

HOW Planning has also secured listed building consent for the project.

The plans were submitted on behalf of PH Homes which aims to restore the hall back to residential accommodation – the purpose for which it was originally built in 1612.

The existing building has previously suffered from unsympathetic extensions and has been altered over time to accommodate a change of use for offices and a commercial business.

The plans, advised upon and co-ordinated by HOW, aim to restore the main house and convert it into three townhouse style dwellings as well as an additional 24 properties to be built within the grounds, the design of which will be sympathetic to the original hall.

Throughout the preparation of the application HOW carried out extensive research with Cheshire East Council and English Heritage to ensure the plans take into account the original architecture and design whilst at the same time introducing new elements required for a modern family living.

Emma Williams, planner at HOW said: “Somerford Booths Hall is in a stunning rural location in the heart of Cheshire.

“The additions that have been made to the property over recent years have been very poor, but this is a fantastic development which will allow our clients to focus on transforming the estate and creating a new residential development that reflects its former purpose.”