Forest School plan for historic farmhouse and barn on Renishaw estate
Plans to change an historic farmhouse and barn into a Forest School have been unveiled.
Renishaw Hall Trust is seeking listed building consent for Mill Farm, Mill Lane, Renishaw with a view to making the site suitable for use predominantly by nursery age children.
Minor alterations to the Grade II listed 18th century farmhouse and outbuilding need to be made to bring the property up to the required condition for Forest School use.
The proposal is that the farmhouse be used for food preparation, staff offices and to provide a napping area for children.
It is expected that the Forest School would have a total of three members of staff per day, which may later increase to six upon capacity. A total of 15 students are expected to be on site at any given time, which may increase to 22 when the school is at capacity.
A design and access statement to North East Derbyshire District Council said: “These proposals follow a previous application which intended to facilitate a holiday let use for the farmhouse, which was not supported by the conservation officer due to the impact on the listed building.
"This scheme therefore seeks to respond proactively to the conservation officer’s concerns and presents a more sympathetic reuse of the site, with intentions to utilise the site as a whole and reduce the need to make alterations to the farmhouse.”
A heritage statement said that historically Mill Farm is interesting because of its association with the Renishaw Estate and the Sitwell family. The front facade of the farmhouse is particularly ornate for a functional building, reflecting the Cottage Orne style making use of stained glass and arched window details.
Davey Stone Associates, who inspected the single storey barn, reported: “Following an examination of the structure it was evident that the building is structurally sound and capable of conversion. With additions to the external roof and wall claddings the barn is considered suitable for conversion to a commercial use.”
Consultation on the application for Listed Building Consent ends on December 3 and a decision is expected after that date.