PLANS for a housing development on land surrounding a grade-two listed building have been halted after an arson attack.

Police are appealing for witnesses after offenders broke into Chaddock Hall, on Chaddock Lane in Astley, on December 4 at around 7.30pm where they set fire to items in the property.

The flames took hold and spread to other parts of the hall before the fire brigade were called.

No one was injured but a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of arson and bailed until January 30.

Det Con Brian Johnston from Wigan East INPT said: “This was a grade two listed building that has been part of the areas make-up for hundreds of years. “The land was due to be developed for housing, with Chaddock Hall to be used as a feature but this fire has now stopped that.”

The fire started on the first floor of the empty farmhouse, which is set in 1.84 acres of land, and spread to the roof, where flames could be seen coming out of the top of the building.

The roof and first floor were gutted in the blaze.

The farmhouse, is an 18th-century property and was designated grade-two listed in 1966.

It was believed to have been sold to a developer this year for around £1.5 million and planning permission for 16 houses had been granted for the site.

A further planning application by Peel Investments for the restoration and conversion of the hall and barn to create six houses, and the erection of 23 more houses, is pending a decision by Wigan Council.

“From what we have been told, it is lucky no one who was inside the building, received serious injury or died as smoke quickly filled the rooms and ceilings started to collapse,” said Det Con Johnston.

“I would ask anyone who has information to come forward and help us with our inquiries.”

If you have any information, call police on 0161 856 7292 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.