Plans to rebuild 17th century grade II listed Chaddock Hall after 'near total collapse' of west wing during works

Chaddock Hall in Mosley Common was ravaged by a fire in December 2014 in a suspected arson attack.

The blaze, which is thought to have started in the central wing, caused extensive damage to the inside of the building and "significantly affected the stability of the standing remains".

Following the incident, McCaul Homes was granted approval to demolish and rebuild the east and central wings of the hall to create two houses and make the site the crown jewel in a 27-home scheme.

But an "unforeseen consequence of these works was the near total collapse of the remaining west wing" according to a planning document prepared by Wardell Armstrong LLP on behalf of McCaul Homes.

The developer was due to face charges at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court last year.

It was accused of damaging the Chaddock Lane site "in a manner which affected the character of a building of special architectural or historical interest" in work it carried out at the site.

After a meeting involving McCaul Homes and the local authority in June last year an "in principle way forward for a rebuild was agreed".

The agreement allowed the developer to rebuild the hall and create two homes as originally planned.

Historic England, which is in charge of protecting listed buildings, was also involved in discussions about the issue.

The charges against McCaul Homes have been dropped.

A fresh application has now been submitted to Wigan Council to rebuild the hall and create two homes.

Plans have also been issued to demolish and rebuild the neighbouring grade II listed building Chaddock Hall Barn to develop four affordable homes.

The barn's condition is described as being "very poor and unsafe".

The garden wall and stone gatepiers enclosing the south garden of the hall are also grade II listed.

A neighbourhood consultation on the plans is in place until next Monday with a decision set to be made on April 11.