A local restoration project that brought a derelict Grade II listed building in Lancaster back into residential use has scooped a prestigious national award.
East Lodge in Aldcliffe, Lancaster won the ‘Best Residential Conversion or Alteration to an Existing Home’ category in the national finals of the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards 2024.
East Lodge, now a house, was once East Lodge to the former Aldcliffe Hall, a 19th century country house.
The annual awards recognise excellent projects and individual contributions within the construction industry and highlight the key role of public sector building control teams in ensuring the safety, quality, and sustainability of construction projects.
Local developer MH Stainton Homes, with support from Lancaster City Council’s Conservation Team, embarked on a mission to carefully restore and extend East Lodge into a contemporary home whilst preserving its heritage - as it had fallen into significant disrepair.
The restoration programme included new floors, refurbished windows and lime mortar repointing. A new extension has been added, offering extra floor space.
A discreet glazed link connects the two main living areas, thoughtfully designed to preserve the character of the listed building's setting.
Councillor Sue Tyldesley, Lancaster City Council’s cabinet member for Planning and Placemaking, said: “It’s fantastic to see the partnership working between a local developer and the local planning and building control teams being recognised nationally.
“The restoration of East Lodge, a listed building at serious risk of further dereliction, serves as a reminder of what can be achieved between a responsible custodian of a heritage asset and our local authority conservation and planning and building control teams.”
Michael Stainton, Managing Director of MH Stainton Homes, said: “East Lodge was a very challenging project, and there was some third-party opposition to the development, but I’m a big believer in having the right team around you to bring the best out of a project. Working with experienced planning and conservation professionals from Lancaster City Council was invaluable and helped to get the project off to a brilliant start.
“Rightly so, we all fell in love with the building, and I think that shows in the completed project and how thrilled we all are that it has won such a prestigious award.
“East Lodge will celebrate its 200th birthday in 2027, so let’s hope it lasts another 200 years as the gateway to Aldcliffe.”
The council’s Building Control Team provided essential support in ensuring that the Building Regulations were met within the necessary constraints of Listed Building Approval.
Friends from Morecambe to take on Ultra Marathon for brave toddler
Firefighters and swim centre team give key water safety message on Morecambe school visit
Police probe after stolen motorbike being ridden dangerously found in Morecambe
Man arrested in Lancaster after bridge jump hoax call
Local hospice wins national award for Will donation campaign
Cash boost for babies and families at Royal Lancaster Infirmary after fundraising at local golf club
Morecambe’s Pride in Place Board give update on West End investment programme
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
