News OnTheWight has been informed that Isle of Wight council (IWC) has served an Urgent Works Notices on the owners of Norris Castle and associated buildings.
This urgent step, issued on Thursday, is due to the increasing decay of these significant Grade I listed properties.
Developer will be charged for any repair works
The Urgent Works Notices, News OnTheWight has been informed, state that the IWC, after a waiting period of 28 days, intends to initiate urgent repairs to protect these important structures. They are working with Historic England to cover the cost of the works.
In an attempt to offset the cost burden, IWC will seek to recover any money spent on the works from the owners. This approach reinforces the principle that the responsibility for maintaining these properties lies primarily with the owners.
Widespread water ingress causing decay
Norris Castle and Farm are prominent Grade I listed buildings set within a Grade I registered park and garden.
The castle and the farm buildings are suffering from widespread water ingress, causing severe decay to the internal ceilings and wall plaster.
In addition, outbreaks of dry rot have been discovered affecting roof and floor timbers and internal joinery.
Developer’s plans
In 2022, the developer, Norris Castle Estate Group, put forward proposals for a hotel and spa, and houses on the grounds and on the neighbouring Springhill Estate.
They say this is the only viable option for the estate and cost the repair and conversion at more than £107 million.
Preservation of these historic buildings
This intervention by IWC marks a critical step towards the preservation of these historic buildings.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding our heritage and highlights the consequences of neglecting such duties.
Response from the owner
News OnTheWight has contacted the owner for their comment on the Urgent Works Notice and will update once we hear back.
For more background on Norris Castle, see News OnTheWight’s Norris Castle archive.
