Great Barr Hall wedding venue revamp set to be scrapped over heritage risk
The redevelopment of Great Barr Hall into a wedding venue with homes in its grounds face being thrown out after heritage experts said it would ruin the historic site.
Historic England refused to give its consent for major changes to be made to the 18th century mansion and has urged planning bosses to scrap the plans.
Black Country MPs Tom Watson and Valerie Vaz have both raised concerns about the development, which would see 57 homes built on nearby green belt land.
The dilapidated hall has not been used for decades but the heritage group said it does not believe the development would benefit the Grade II-listed building.
It is the latest twist in a saga which has now dragged on for four years.
Developer BGC Lakes has had its eye on Great Barr Hall since 2013 but the plans have stalled and so far failed to gain approval.
As well as work on the hall, a luxury housing estate would be created in Great Barr Park – causing concern among campaigners and politicians.
There has been support for opening the hall to the public after so many years lying dormant but not at the expense of damaging the building and grounds.
Walsall South MP Ms Vaz has been among the most vocal critics of the plan and believes building homes in the grounds of the hall would 'severely damage the green belt and Great Barr Park'.
A letter to Walsall Council from Historic England, seen by the Express & Star, said: "Historic England considers that the development proposal will result in serious harm to the Grade II-listed building and very serious harm to the Grade-II registered park and garden.
"We are not convinced by the information provided to justify the enabling development, or that it demonstrates that the benefits will be secured."
Great Barr councillor Jon Hunt said he did not see a problem but added he could understand concerns over the homes.
He said: "I would like to see the hall restored in good public use. I am sorry of someone has come in and the proposal doesn't work and I hope one can be found that does work.
"It seems to me like an ideal use for the hall but if Historic England think it isn't right there needs to be a re-think."
