Towneley Hall upgrade to be discussed

The starting gun for the restoration of the west wing of an historic East Lancashire stately home is set to be fired.

Councillors have been recommended to grant permission for the work on the 700-year-old Towneley Hall in Burnley.

It relates to a proposal for internal alterations to facilitate improved guest facilities and access to the west wing.

A report to Burnley Council’s development control committee meeting on Thursday night recommends approval of listed building consent with four conditions.

It says: “This application relates to Towneley Hall, a heritage asset of exceptional significance which is reflected in its Grade I Listing.

“The Hall dates from c.1400.

“This application is presented to Committee as the applicant is Burnley Borough Council.

“The Hall was substantially remodelled by Jeffry Wyatt in the nineteenth century who enhanced the presence and grandeur of the building by elevating the South-East wing and adding battlements and turrets considered at the time as a display of architectural and social ostentation.

“The interior features equally impressive period rooms including the Long Gallery, Great Hall, Red and Green Regency Rooms hung with original C19 paintings and is particularly noted for its fine 16th century (Jacobean) plasterwork, panelling and staircases.

“The Hall has been in civic use as a museum and gallery since 1903.

“This application relates to the Great Hall -its west elevation having been remodelled in the baroque style by Robert Thornton in the1720s and is therefore highly significant.

“This application seeks listed building consent for alterations to the west wing of the hall and are summarised as follows:

” * removal of a lower sash window and hinged base to the rear (west) elevation of the Great Hall and replacement with a door and fanlight;

” * fitting out of the Orientation Room for food preparation and service; and

” * creation of a new accessible toilet and lobby area.

“The increased use of the Great Hall for events has increased the need for a well-equipped preparation area in its proximity.

“The Orientation Room is understood to have been used historically as an ‘Ante-Room’ to the Great Hall and is currently used as a store and prep area for events.

“It is proposed to fit out the Orientation Room to provide a fully equipped food preparation and service area

“The purpose is to facilitate improved guest facilities and access in support of the continued viable use of the hall as a visitor attraction which in turn generates revenue to secure its long term conservation.”