Chimneys at historic stately home could be brought down

THE 175-year-old chimneys of a Leicestershire stately home could be dismantled.

- By HANNAH RICHARDSON

Beaumanor Hall was forced to close last month amid a “potentially serious” public safety risk.

Assessments by structural engineers revealed that the 175-year-old chimneys at the venue, in Woodhouse, near Loughborough, had “deteriorated”, owner Leicestershire County Council said.

The condition of the chimneys, some of which weigh more than seven tonnes, meant the venue had to stop using the main building for events, including weddings.

Now, the county council is seeking permission to partially dismantle the chimneys in an effort to make the site safe.

An application submitted to its own planning department said these would be taken down to a safe height to allow people back into the building at the earliest opportunity.