Police building preservation

North Yorkshire Police Authority must respond to an emergency of a different kind following an assessment of their 17th century force HQ by local planning officers.

They called in the Hambleton District Council Development Manager after noticing deterioration in brickwork surrounding an atrium above a central staircase at the Grade II listed Newby Wiske Hall, near Northallerton.

The Hall dates back to 1684 when it was built by landowner William Reveley, though much of the building was reconstructed after 1827 when it was owned by businessman William Rutson.

Patch up work has been carried out on the building over the years but an initial inspection by the Development Manager suggests extensive repair work is now required to avoid further damage to this fine Listed building.

Extensive work is required to preserve this listed building. As owners of the building, North Yorkshire Police Authority is obliged to carry out this work.

Tim Wood - Hambleton District Council

As an emergency measure to protect staff and visitors, support scaffolding and barriers have already been erected around the stairwell and up to the roof.

Until a full survey is carried out the cost of the work cannot be accurately estimated, but as it is likely to exceed £100,000 the work will be put out to tender.

Chief Finance Officer Joanna Carter said: "We noticed some leaks in the roof and called in the Planners who have advised that substantial work must now be carried out.

"Because the building is listed we require Listed Building Consent to carry out any repair work. That will necessitate a detailed survey which will indicate the scale of work that needs to be carried out.

"Obviously, in order to gain the best possible deal, we will be putting the contract out to tender."

Hambleton's Development Manager Tim Wood said: "Extensive work is required to preserve this listed building. As owners of the building, North Yorkshire Police Authority is obliged to carry out this work."