Listed hall with Bronte links to be repaired

Extensive repair works have been proposed for a Grade I-listed Elizabethan manor house to fix damage and ensure its longevity.

Oakwell Hall in Birstall, built in 1583, is renowned for its well-preserved 17th Century interiors and its association with Charlotte Brontë, who used it as inspiration for her novel Shirley.

Now owned and run by Kirkless Council, the authority is seeking listed building consent to carry out repairs to the fabric of the building to ensure it is fit to operate for years to come.

Several issues need to be addressed, including those regarding structural movement and water ingress, said the council.

The local authority has appointed AHR Building Consultancy to carry out the works, which would ensure Oakwell Hall could remain open to the visiting public, according to a supporting statement.

Documents stated how work would include the removal of the existing roof and istallation of a bat-friendly, modern breather membrane to shield the building from water ingress, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The existing stone slate roof would then be relaid, and gutters and down pipes replaced.

Repairs would also be made to the external stone, existing lead glazing and defective areas of the underground drainage system.

A new, accessible toilet would be installed at ground floor level to the rear of the property.

In addition, the existing first floor male and female toilets would be fully removed as part of the development.

A supporting statement by AHR Building Consultancy said proposals had been developed with a "core aim to protect the existing building in character and appearance" while improving facilities for visitors.

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