Weston Hall, Weston Longville

Client: Weston Hall Estate

Architects: Dowen Farmer

Description of Development: Residential scheme comprising 11 dwellings, including the sensitive conversion of a listed barn, remodelling of historic outbuildings, and provision of new landscaping.

Location: Weston Hall, Weston Longville, Norfolk

Summary

The Weston Hall project will revitalise the historic estate grounds of the Grade II listed Hall through a carefully considered residential scheme. The proposals include the conversion of a listed barn, the sympathetic reconfiguration of existing outbuildings, and the creation of new homes within the former walled garden. Maddox Planning is advising on planning strategy and has supported the scheme through committee engagement, heritage discussions, and viability negotiations.

Key Issues Addressed

Land Use and Housing Delivery: The scheme will deliver 11 new homes, helping to meet local housing needs in a sensitive rural context. While outside settlement limits, the development responds to both identified housing requirements and the site’s planning history, including previous consents for residential use.

Design and Heritage: A core element of the project is the sensitive conversion of the Grade II listed barn, preserving historic character while removing unsympathetic later additions. Additional dwellings within the walled garden and reconfigured outbuildings will enhance the setting of Weston Hall, reflecting its heritage significance.

Access and Connectivity: Access to the site is via the existing entrance onto Weston Hall Road. The scheme secures safe highway arrangements, adequate parking provision, and pedestrian connectivity into nearby Lenwade, ensuring integration with the surrounding community.

Sustainability and Environment: The development incorporates sustainable drainage, biodiversity enhancement measures, and a reduction in impermeable surfaces. Ecological surveys identified bat roosts on site, with mitigation secured to safeguard protected species. The scheme also achieves nutrient neutrality through on-site wastewater treatment solutions.

Development Highlights

Weston Hall demonstrates how redundant and under-utilised estate buildings can be sensitively reimagined to provide high-quality new housing while enhancing the setting of a listed building. The scheme secures environmental improvements, protects biodiversity, and delivers a balanced residential community in a heritage-rich landscape.

Maddox Planning has worked closely with officers, consultees, and the applicant team to ensure the scheme meets policy tests, balances heritage sensitivities, and addresses viability challenges.

The proposed new homes from Weston Fisheries