Former public school could become retirement flats

Gilling Castle was mostly recently used as a preparatory school for Ampleforth College

A 16th Century country house and former public school in North Yorkshire could be converted into retirement apartments.

Plans for Gilling Castle, between Thirsk and Malton, would see 21 "later living" flats situated in the main building and 14 in the grounds.

A North Yorkshire Council case officer said the development would bring "clear benefits", including the long-term preservation of the building and grounds.

Classrooms and an artificial grass sports pitch would be demolished as part of the development, with a wellness centre created from the former sports hall.

Objections were raised by the Howardian Hills National Landscape's manager, the Gardens Trust and Sport England due to the planned changes to the grounds.

Historic England said it was "very supportive" of the new use in principle as it was "eminently compatible with the heritage significance of the site".

The plans include 24-hour staffing, leisure and social facilities and landscaped gardens, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

North Yorkshire Council case officer Alan Goforth said the scheme would allow public access to principal rooms in the building and create job opportunities.

He added: "Further benefits include the reuse of previously developed land and buildings and provision of specialist accommodation for an ageing population."

The property was built by Sir William Fairfax, High Sheriff of Yorkshire, in 1571 on top of the medieval walls of a fortified house.

It was used as a preparatory school for Ampleforth College until its closure in 2018, with the plans due to be considered by councillors on Tuesday.

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