An MP is calling for the Grade II listing of a historic Birmingham mansion to be removed because she claims it is being unfairly used to enable green belt development.
The 18th century Great Barr Hall, built by the Scott family, has been left to rot for more than 30 years and is now propped up with scaffolding.
Now Historic England is to review its historic listing following a request from Walsall South MP Valerie Vaz.
A planning application for the dilapidated hall, submitted last year, includes proposals for a 57-home gated development in the grounds.
Developers say they need the income from the housing to cover the huge restoration costs of the hall.
Now Waslall South MP Valerie Vaz has written to Historic England asking them to remove the listing and allow the building to be legally redeveloped or demolished.
The Labour MP said: “The listing of the hall is still being exploited by developers who want to use the status of the hall to justify a 57-home luxury gated development on the adjacent green belt Land at Great Barr Park.
“Without the listed hall this application would not be allowed as no case could be made for development.
“I wrote to Historic England to say that the hall is now severely dilapidated and the features that were present when the Hall was last inspected for listing in 2007 are no longer there.
“I am pleased that Historic England has now listened to my representations and agreed to reassess the listed status of the hall.”
She added that she hoped this would end the prospect of the development going ahead.
A planning application for the site, from developer Lapworth Architects, has been stalled for more than a year while Walsall Council considers it.
The group wants to transform the derelict hall into a hotel, wedding and conference centre with a restaurant. They also want to restore the lawns and build two gatehouse lodges.
It is the linked housing development which has been vehemently opposed by the local Beacon Action Group and UKIP campaigners in the area.
The hall was built by local landowner Joseph Scott in 1777 and it underwent major extensions and alterations during the 1840s. It is described as a gothic style building with a nine-bay front, with ogee-headed windows, buttresses done as octagonal turrets and battlements. It hosted meetings of the famous Lunar Society during the late 18th century.
According to Historic England: “Despite alterations made during its use as a hospital and subsequent damage caused by vandalism, the building has considerable architectural interest.”