AN application to convert Brereton Hall into a 12-room hotel has been lodged with Cheshire East Council.

The four-storey grade I-listed building, completed in 1585 and altered in the 19th century, has previously been used as a school and residence with use for functions and events.

Plans submitted to CEC are for a change of use from a single residence to a hotel, and would also include access improvements including directly from the A50.

This would include building a bridge over the River Croco in keeping with the structure of the country house.

The design and application statement said: “As a Grade I listed building, Brereton Hall is of significant historic and architectural importance. It is crucial that such valuable heritage assets are retained and maintained for future generations.

“Sadly, due to the costs involved there are few people that can afford to purchase an estate of this scale for use as a private dwelling. Brereton Hall has been marketed for sale as a private residence for a number of years, without success.

“It is the intention of the applicant to revert the use of the building to a commercial use, in order to secure the future of the building.

"By the use of sympathetic materials and complementary design it is believed that the resultant driveway will be of high quality, will sit seamlessly in the landscape and will not detract from the surrounding landscape features or listed building.

"Apart from small sections of hedge, none of the existing hedges or trees are proposed to be removed.

"It is not felt that the change of use of the Hall to a hotel use would in any way be detrimental to the character and appearance of the site or local environment."

The application comes from Peter Heywood.

Comments can be submitted by the public and stakeholders until January 4, with the council setting a target decision date of January 29.