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Lancaster Council Faces Pressure to Decide on Future of Ryelands House

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Lancaster City Council is facing growing concerns about the future use of the historic Ryelands House, a Grade 11 listed building that has been left empty since 2023. The building, which was used by the NHS for clinics, is currently facing significant damage from vandals, with reports of leaking roofs, boarded-up windows, and thrown-off slates. Councilors are calling for a swift decision to be made about the building's future, with charity interest and potential community use being mentioned as potential options.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ryelands House, a Grade 11 listed building, has been left empty since 2023 after being used by the NHS for clinics.
  • The building is currently facing significant damage from vandals, including leaking roofs, boarded-up windows, and thrown-off slates.
  • Councilors are calling for a swift decision to be made about the building's future, with charity interest and potential community use being mentioned as options.
  • Labour Coun Sandra Thornberry, chairwoman of the council's planning committee, has expressed concern about the delay in making a decision, likening it to the long-awaited development of the Skerton High School site.
  • Councilors have received feedback from residents about the building's condition, with Labour Coun Robert Redfern questioning how many years it will take to make a decision.

Statistics:

  • Ryelands House is a Grade 11 listed building.
  • The building was used by the NHS for clinics until 2023.
  • Leaking roofs, boarded-up windows, and thrown-off slates are some of the damages reported at the house.
  • Councilors are calling for a decision to be made within weeks or days.
  • The Skerton High School site development, which took nearly 10 years, has been cited as a comparison to the pace of decision-making about Ryeland's House.

Sources:

  • Lancaster City Council leader, Caroline Jackson, as reported in a written update at the latest full meeting of all councillors.
  • Historic England, for information about the building's history and original owner, Jonathan Dunn.
  • The Lancashire Post, for reports on the council's plans and local resident concerns.

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