Site Event/Activity record ECH6701 - Proposed Conversion of Stables at Toft Hall, Toft, Cheshire: Preliminary Heritage Assessment

A heritage assessment and photographic record was produced in 2019 in support of a proposal to convert to domestic use the stables at Toft Hall, Toft, Cheshire East. The stables date from the late 18th century and are Grade II listed. Toft Hall, a 17th century country house remodelled in the early 19th century, is Grade II* listed. The report is to identify the significance of the buildings and how it they be affected by the proposal. The application building is a large L-shaped structure consisting of two-storey northeast and southeast ranges at right angles, with a late 19th century single-storey outrigger to the rear of the southeast range. The north end of the northeast range has been converted to a cottage and is not included in the present application. The buildings stand within a farmyard context, shared with large barns to the west of 18th/early 19th century date along with modern outbuildings. The Grade II designation of the stables denotes it is a building of special architectural and historic interest in the national context. Its significance essentially derives from this special interest, which is that of a substantial stable block, principally of late 18th century date, associated with a country house held by a family of county importance. This significance is primarily embodied in the two main ranges, whose scale and appearance denotes the high status of the building and the horses and carriages they accommodated, and given the alteration of the interior primarily derives from their exterior qualities and presence within the site. Internally, the cast iron stalls and kingpost trusses are the principal features.The outrigger, a late 19th century addition, is of secondary in terms of its importance owing to its later date and lower level of interest. A shed attached to the outrigger is notable however for its reuse of a timber-frame roof truss within, and as the survivor of a piecemeal further range of buildings that stood here until at least the late 1960s. In addition to its intrinsic interest, the significance of the stables is enhanced by its group value and setting in relation to the hall and the other traditional farm buildings of the site. The listed building is no longer used for the purpose for which it was built and has been redundant for some time. It is now in a deteriorating condition. The proposed change of use will secure the future of the stables by returning it to viable use. The principle of the proposal is therefore favourable. The works associated with the scheme are intended to respect the core significance of the listed building and in this context have been guided by advice given by Cheshire East’s conservation officer. However as is inevitable with conversions of agricultural buildings, there will be a degree of impact upon its historic fabric. A full assessment of the impact of these works will be presented in the final version of this report which will support the planning submission. On the basis of drawings produced so far however, it is considered that the harm will be less than substantial and in the planning balance will be outweighed by the public benefit of securing the future and viable use of the listed building. (1)