16 Mar 2012, 09:47

Emerson Group subsidiary Jones Homes has entered into agreement
to buy Backford Hall in Cheshire from the local authority subject
to obtaining planning permission.

Cheshire West Chester Council’s executive have agreed
to sell the Grade 2-listed Jacobean-style hall in the village of
Backford and 24 acres of grounds as part of its property
review.

Jones Homes declined to confirm the number of units it was
planning to build. The sale will not complete until Jones Homes is
granted planning consent and agrees the proportion of affordable
housing with the council. Talks are ongoing with planners about the
scale of development. Jones Homes has acquired a mixed bag: the
listed hall and lodge house must be retained, the grounds and
pasture land are in green belt and there is a 1960s annexe that is
likely to be demolished.

The former council offices were home to 200 staff in highways,
trading standards and waste management departments. Staff were
relocated to district offices to make way for the sale.

A report before CWAC councillors said the sale of the building
would both generate a large capital receipt and also reduce the
councils operating costs by around £300,000 a year.

Cllr Les Ford said: “Backford Hall served local government
well for many years. Sadly it was something of a luxury in the
current financial climate when savings are needed to protect
frontline services.

“However, the building is listed and its retention will be
part of the conditions required for planning permission.”

Backford Hall was built in 1863 in a mixture of Jacobean and
Elizabethan styles for Lt Col Edward Holt Clegg, part of a Gayton
landed gentry family that had owned the estate since the 18
Century. There were two previous houses on the site, the earliest
dating from the 16 Century.

Colliers International advised the council.

Share this article:

Your Comments

0 Comments
Add Comment