Historic England has submitted its initial advice to Isle of Wight Council, strongly objecting to proposals which will severely impact the Norris Castle estate.
The major planning application would see the Grade I listed castle turned into a five-star hotel, among other plans.
Historic England says it is likely to submit a formal objection as the proposals in their current form would entail a high degree of harm to Norris’s significance.
Given the harmful impact anticipated, the Historic England Advisory Committee will now be consulted, and further information on the viability of the scheme has been requested so that a definitive position can be reached.
Historic England’s formal position and advice will then be given to the council to inform their decision.
Richard Peats, Development Advice Team Leader, Historic England, said:
“Norris Castle is a hidden gem. The striking mock castle, its farm disguised as a fort, and many other historic features all set in idyllic parkland have hardly changed since they were built over 200 years ago.
"While this application includes urgently needed repairs it also involves a great deal of new development which would destroy much of what is special about the estate.
"Historic England is keen to find a sustainable future for the estate but the proposed scheme is not the right approach, nor the only way to save the Castle.
"The Isle of Wight’s only Grade I listed landscape deserves a better future than this.”
The castle and farm, both of which date to around 1800, are works by James Wyatt, one of the leading architects of the day.
Its importance is reflected in the listing of the castle and farm at Grade I and the inclusion of the designed landscape on the Register of Parks and Gardens at Grade I.
They are on the Heritage at Risk Register due to their poor condition and need for extensive repairs.
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