Major issues
At the Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 5th October, an informative presentation was given by representatives of North Kesteven District Council and Andersen & Glenn on the current state of Nocton Hall (there was no representative from English Heritage).
It was not good news.
It is quite clear there are major issues with the structural integrity of this historic building... in fact even worse than anticipated. Many of the walls are in a parlous state with loose material threatening to collapse into the void below. Trees have rooted into the walls further threatening instability. Metalwork and woodwork incorporated in the building has been severely fire-damaged and is further weakening stability.
There are major cost issues arising from making this building safe, as well as deciding how much of the structure can realistically be saved for the future. There are aspects of the building that are in a better state than others and may therefore be easier to renovate, but first there needs to be an Options Appraisal to identify the best way forward.
The Future
The Options Appraisal will be carried out by the well-respected Anderson & Glenn and is likely to take about 5 months. This will be a detailed piece of work identifying all options, from full reinstatement of the building through to total demolition. It will incorporate a full costing appraisal, which includes a detailed breakdown of all funding options.
The current owners of the land and buildings, Leda Properties, are now in ongoing discussion with Karen Bradford and her team at NKDC and have attended three meetings to date, with another scheduled for November. A Security Officer has been appointed by the company to monitor the site (both Nocton Hall and Nocton Hospital grounds), and NKDC continue to attend the site on a daily basis.
It is understood that Leda Properties intend to table a 'new development' for the site, but this is only at an aspirational stage. NKDC would need to look at any formal application in line with their Local Development Framework and future plans for the area. If Leda Properties do intend putting a plan forward, they have been encouraged to liaise with the local Parish Council and residents at an early stage in the process.
It is such a terrible shame that constructive action wasn't taken before 2004 to remedy this situation, when the superb Nocton Hall was still in good repair and before the fire burnt the heart out of this lovely building. I doubt if we will ever get to the bottom of why NKDC failed to act to save this building all those years ago, failing to halt the consistent robbing out of its architectural heritage. However, we are where we are and time cannot be rolled back... we must look forward and support the current team at NKDC, who are working hard to salvage what is left.
I agree Geoff that its is criminal what has happened to the hall, but rebuilding or a major housing development is not financially viable or needed at this time. As You say we are where we are. Why not leave the building as a safe ruin and use the good section near the residential home as a museum,creating a museum to lincolnshires / Noctons farming heritage. There is a great social story to tell of this area from the middle ages. Looking at the great estates and the villagers lives. Think out side the box on this one please NKDC. It could be a great tourist attraction. EH do support ventures like this.
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