Councillor appeals to Government to protect landscape of Hardwick Hall by calling in plan for 84 homes

A housing scheme which potentially threatens the landscape of Hardwick Hall has sparked a councillor’s urgent request for Government intervention.

Norcroft Asset Group has submitted a planning application to build 84 houses and garages on a paddock west of Norcroft, Wild Hill, Teversal to Ashfield District Council.

District councillor Cathy Mason is requesting that the application be called in by the Secretary of State for Housing for determination and that an immediate holding direction be considered to prevent planning permission being issued while that request is assessed.

In a letter to the senior government minister, Cllr Mason writes: “Hardwick Hall is an irreplaceable part of Britain's architectural and cultural heritage. Its importance extends far beyond Ashfield, Nottinghamshire or the East Midlands. The Hall's significance is not confined to its walls. Its historic setting, surrounding countryside, landscape character and important views all contribute to the appreciation of this exceptional Grade I listed building. A development of 84 dwellings has the potential to introduce substantial and permanent changes to that landscape.

“Once a historic landscape has been fundamentally altered, its original character cannot simply be restored by a future planning decision.

“I respectfully submit that the potential impact upon a heritage asset of this importance merits scrutiny at a national level, rather than relying solely upon a local committee determination.

“The combination of a substantial housing development, an identified departure from the adopted planning framework, and the potential impact upon a Grade I listed heritage asset raises a serious question about whether determination solely at local level is appropriate. It is precisely the national importance of the heritage asset, and the potential consequences of an adverse decision, that justify consideration of the Secretary of State's call-in powers.

“Hardwick Hall is not simply a local landmark. It is a nationally treasured historic property whose importance extends across generations. I am deeply concerned that permitting substantial development affecting its historic setting could contribute to further development pressure on the surrounding countryside. While each future application must be determined on its individual planning merits, the cumulative erosion of a nationally important historic landscape is a legitimate concern. If we fail to exercise proper scrutiny when the setting of a Grade I listed building is potentially at risk, we risk allowing decisions made today to permanently diminish the heritage inherited by future generations.”

Cllr Mason, who represents the Carsic ward on Ashfield District Council, has reached out on social media asking people to write to the Secretary of State requesting that the plan be called in. She is also urging that objections to the planning application be submitted to the council before October 28.

She posted: “ Everyone who visits Hardwick has a stake in protecting the historic landscape and views that make it special. Our children and grandchildren deserve to experience that heritage too.

“Wherever you live, help protect Hardwick’s heritage for the generations who come after us.”

A decision on the planning application is due by December 28, according to the district council’s website.