Future of stately home undecided

The future of a stately home is still hanging in the balance as a council considers six development plans for the building.

Potential buyers submitted sealed bids to develop Corngreaves Hall, Cradley Heath, in response to an internet auction by Bigwood Chartered Surveyors, Birmingham.

The 18th century Grade II listed hall was put up for sale by Sandwell Council and will go to the highest bidder.

The West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust fundraised for years to convert the hall into flats and was told by the council it would be the preferred developer.

However, the council announced earlier this year that it would sell the hall amid concerns about the viability of the homes scheme in the current economic climate.

The bill for the repairs and conversion of the building, which has become a target for lead thieves and vandals is set to cost £3 million.

The auction closed on June 26 and it is not yet clear when a decision will be made on who will take the project on.

Councillor Bob Badham, council regeneration boss, said: "Officers are now working on a shortlist of applicants to make sure we find the right one.

"I am not in a position to say anything more until an in-depth evaluation has been done."