URGENT repair work is set to be fast-tracked at a historic building after long-standing cracks in Baroque-era plaster deteriorated.
Wentworth Castle, which houses Northern College, is the subject of a planning application lodged with Barnsley Council.
It seeks permission for hasty work on the Grade I-listed building’s crumbling ceiling plaster in its ‘Long Gallery’ room, which architects found to be at risk of even detaching.
It’s also been found in other rooms, according to the application, which comes following an inspection carried out by Storah Architecture.
A report said: “The house is Grade I-listed, as are the gardens.
“It is considered of exceptional significance owing to its architectural and aesthetic value.
“Issues have been identified affecting the stability of the plasterwork to the ceiling of the Long Gallery, the principal room of the Baroque phase of Wentworth Castle.
“Whilst there is some long-standing cracking, recent checks and investigations have revealed the ceiling to be at risk of detachment.
“The Long Gallery ceiling has fractures and cracks visible throughout the expanse of the ceiling.
“In recent investigations, when viewed from above, the condition of the lath and plaster is considered to be very poor.
“Laths are fixed very closely to each other and there are minimal plaster nibs or keys evident.
“Given the fracturing observed from the underside and the extant condition of the upper side, the opinion of the surveyors is that there is a significant risk of the ceiling plaster failing with a potential risk of collapse.
“This is an issue which has also been identified in other rooms of the same construction phase.
“Given the height of the room - over ten metres - the risk of detaching plaster is both a safety concern and a risk to the historic fabric below.
“The library is currently closed for access to address safety concerns for users, but historic fabric remains at risk of loss.”
Given its history, it’s been advised that conservation methods are employed instead of using regular plaster, while plywood panelling - a previously-used emergency solution - has been deemed to be not in keeping.
Instead, a matching fibrous ‘shell’ will be chosen, as this option retains both the historic fabric and an authentic appearance before a full ceiling restoration is undertaken when funds allow.
Prior to the works, the Queen Anne room’s ceiling will also be propped and stabilised to reduce the risk of collapse, while the Long Gallery’s floor will be checked to ensure it’s able to support the required scaffolding.
The report added: “Following consideration of options, it is proposed to secure the ceiling, providing temporary support with battens and a fibrous plaster shell ceiling following the existing ceiling profile
“There is further concern due to the extent of timber damage due to beetle infestation which has significantly reduced the section size of some joists.
“The ceilings are of exceptional significance with evidential, architectural and social value.
“They are at risk of uncontrolled collapse which would result in a loss of historic fabric.
“Photographic surveys have been carried out out to record the condition of the ceiling and maintain some evidential value for replication in the event of further damage.
“This mitigates against loss but does not significantly reduce risk nor provide a solution.
“Stabilisation of the ceiling is required to reduce the risk of the loss of irreplaceable historic fabric and to bring both the room and the section of the Long Gallery above, also a historically significant space, back into use.
“Joinery and enabling works will be carried out by other heritage experienced contractors.”
A public consultation phase is now taking place alongside Penistone East councillors, Historic England and Stainborough Parish Council
