IMPROVEMENTS have been approved for a cottage on the outskirts of the Hexham postcode.

A planning application was submitted to Northumberland County Council to conduct several repair works and alterations to the Grade II listed Ellershope Cottage, Sparty Lea, Hexham NE47 9UE, to prevent further deterioration and improve the living conditions internally.

It was approved by the county council on August 8. 

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"The applicant purchased the property in 2023 and is seeking to carry out sympathetic repairs to the existing cottage in keeping with its listed status," a heritage statement said.

The statement outlined the improvement works:

  • Replacement of temporary spiral stair with new timber stair
  • Replacement of existing windows
  • Replacement of roof windows
  • Formation of new door opening on the front elevation
  • Installation of Air Source Heat Pump

"Delays to other urgent repair works have become inevitable due to the need to carry out ecology studies and reports prior to carrying out external repairs. A further application for Listed Building Consent will be submitted for the following works once the ecology surveys and reports have been concluded."

These are repairs to cast iron guttering and downpipes, re-roofing the existing cottage and re-pointing stonework of the existing cottage.

"The proposed alterations will have a minimal influence on the character of the asset. Alterations to that fabric have been designed to be reflective of the existing character and to minimise alterations to the original fabric of the asset.

"The development will make a positive contribution to the use of existing buildings preventing them from becoming further decayed due to their inappropriateness for modern-day living. The proposals have also been designed to minimize the impact of any alterations through their sensitive consideration.

"The overall minimal impact to this heritage asset is outweighed by the benefits that the sympathetic modernization and maintenance will bring to secure the building's future and condition," the statement concluded.

No objections were submitted by consultees including Allendale Parish Council and Natural England.

For more information, go to the council's planning portal and search reference number 24/02233/FUL.