Published at 11:42, Saturday, 16 May 2015
DEVELOPERS planning to build a housing estate in the grounds of a listed Ulverston landmark are keen to learn some lessons from history.
For the third time, Charles Church Lancashire has submitted a formal planning application to South Lakeland District Council to develop Stone Cross Mansion in Ulverston.
The property firm, a subsidiary of Persimmon Homes, hopes to convert the mansion into 19 self-contained flats and build 45 new homes in the grounds.
Previous efforts to gain planning permission have been withdrawn after residents and conservationists complained the development would be too intensive and ruin the surroundings of the historic building.
Ahead of the latest attempt, Charles Church held a lengthy consultation with interested parties, including local historian Stuart Allison, author of the new book The Kennedys of Stone Cross Mansion.
The book looks at the history of the Kennedy family who lived at Stone Cross with their six sons and nine daughters.
Mark Cook, managing director for Charles Church Lancashire, said: “Following significant consultation with the local community, we believe we have created a sustainable residential development that recognises the historical importance of this country house.
“The objective of this scheme has always been to sympathetically re-establish a residential use within the building while retaining its fundamental character.
“Included in those plans is the demolition of unsightly modern additions to the 19th century building, along with the sensitive re-use of character-defining spaces.
“Stone Cross Mansion was the family home of Myles and Margaret Kennedy. As a nod to this, if granted planning permission, we hope to name the various apartment types after the female members of the Kennedy family.
“We also look forward to working with Stuart Allison whose recently published book looks at the history of the Kennedy family in the late 1800s and follows their highs and lows as they make their way in life through one of the most turbulent periods in modern times.”
Mr Allison said: “It’s such an important building for Ulverston.
“My personal view, and I know everyone has a different opinion, is if the only way to save the building is to turn it into flats and build houses in the grounds, then they should get on with it.”
The varying models of four- and five-bedroom homes that will be built within the grounds have already been given themed names and will be known as Mabel, Marguerite, Myles, Rowley, Wilfred and Kennedy.
The female members of the Kennedy family who could be immortalised by having an apartment named in their honour are Kathleen, Alice, Elizabeth, Florence, Mary Maude and Violet.
Copies of The Kennedys of Stone Cross Mansion are available from local bookshops.
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
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