AN HISTORIC building complex within Appleby Castle could be rescued from a 'state of disrepair and continued decay', after plans to restore it into homes were submitted.

The 17th century stables courtyard in the grounds of Appleby Castle, which is currently on the English Heritage 'At Risk' register, could be converted into seven new homes as part as an ambitious proposal put forward to Westmorland and Furness Council by Chancellor Developments Ltd.

The Heritage Statement begins: "The stables property has been in the hands of administrators for several years during which time the external and internal fabric of the buildings has deteriorated into a poor state of repair."

"Recent resolution of the situation with the administrators gives Chancellor Developments Limited the opportunity to repair and convert the dilapidated property.

"This will have a beneficial impact on the setting of the castle and its historic features."

The statement outlines the overall vision of the project.

It says: "Internally the intention is to renovate four existing dwellings in the two-storey eastern and southern sides of the courtyard and to convert the single storey ranges in the western side of the courtyard to provide a further three dwellings.

"The conversion work is to be carried out with the minimum of alteration to the external appearance of the four ranges of existing buildings around the central courtyard.”

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The adjoining car park and cobbled yards would be repaired, as would the existing stone structure of the courtyard buildings.

The statement says that the intention would be to offer the seven new homes for sale.

A dilapidated workshop and outbuildings would be renovated, to convert them into a residents gym storage facility respectively.

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Regarding the central courtyard itself, the statement says: "The original cobbled surface in the quadrangle to be reinstated around the perimeter of a central lawn in which a fountain to be placed as a central feature."

The new dwellings would comprise of a mixture of houses and flats, with one four-bedroom, three-three bedroom, and three two-bedroom properties.

The statement concludes: "The revitalised stables courtyard will support Appleby Castle Limited’s continuing plans for restoration, development and future management of the estate as part of an overall conservation plan."