CHANGE is afoot for a hall that is steeped in history, bringing with it more beauty to the ancient grounds.

Netherby Hall, which is just outside Longtown, applied for planning permissions for creation of formal gardens, erection of a decorative pavilion, artificial watercourse and bridge within the curtilage of a listed building. in February.

Plans can now move forward, bringing life to the gardens as permission has been granted by Carlisle City Council.

Netherby Hall is a Grade II listed mansion with associated grounds, ancillary buildings and a walled garden, purchased in 2014 by Gerald and Margo Smith and is undergoing an extensive series of renovations and improvements for both domestic and commercial purposes.

Mark Jeffreys, head gardener at Netherby Hall, explained: “It’s an extension of the garden, we are extending it out into what used to be an old field or an orchard.

“We are extending some of the elements of the walled garden, we’ll have water feature and a pavilion among other things.

“It’s an addition to the garden, it makes the garden a bit nicer, a nicer design. There a few more features that will make the garden a bit more interesting.”

The proposals set out in the design statement said: “The proposal is to create a formally set-out garden, largely grassed, but with a variety of natural bulb

planting to the southern end, varied mowing patterns to add interest, box hedges and fruit and vegetable planting at the northern end adjacent to the existing walled garden.”

The walled garden part of the restoration is already underway but will undoubtedly bring plenty to the hall.

The design statement continued: “The proposals submitted will have a positive impact on the listed building and its grounds by enhancing existing features with appropriately sensitive developments for this type of stately home; by contributing to the marketability of the house for the commercial/leisure market the development should help the ongoing use and enjoyment of Netherby Hall for future generations.”

Carlisle City Council gave notice that the planning permission was granted. There were three conditions to planning being granted, these include the development must stay no later than the expiration of the three years beginning with the date of the grant of permission, the development must be undertaken in strict accordance with the approved documents for the planning permission and no development can start on site until the application has secured the implementation of a programme of archaeological work in accordance with a written scheme of investigation.