A descendant of the family which built Storeton Hall in the 14th century is fighting plans to redevelop the historic building into multiple luxury homes.
Professor Stephen Harding stormed that the proposals would mean Wirral losing one of its most significant heritage sites.
His ancestors were the Stanley family - an important name from English history and predecessors of the Earls of Derby.
Plans from the PJ Livesey Group – specialists in transforming listed buildings - would convert Storeton Hall and a former hay barn will be split into four houses with 27 new luxury homes with an equestrian centre and stable block built nearby.
Some of the existing buildings would be demolished.
The proposed elevations of Storeton Hall put forward by PJ Livesey
The company says its proposals “will ensure as many of the surviving historical details as possible will be preserved.”
But Prof Harding is entirely unconvinced: “As a descendant I am really concerned that if the plans are approved the historic buildings –Grade II listed - will be lost for ever.
“The site has so much history about it. Storeton is an Old Norse name meaning Great Farmstead, so the Stanleys may have had their home built on the original site of the Viking farm.
“It is also very close to an ancient Viking site at Thingwall, where experts believe the Battle of Brunanburh was fought.
“Storeton Hall is so important to Wirral’s heritage.”
Prof Harding added: “I very much hope something can be sorted out which is agreeable to the present owners, the developer and ourselves and which respects the enormous historical significance.
“Perhaps alongside the residential buildings the original Stanley buildings can be turned into a visitor centre for the Stanleys and the Vikings rather than being turned into luxury houses.
“Otherwise Wirral will lose one of its major heritage sites for ever and that would be a tragedy for all.”
Plans for the Storeton Hall site proposed by PJ Livesey
A spokeswoman for PJ Livesey said: “The historical significance of Storeton Hall and the role of the Stanley family in English history is greatly appreciated and respected by everyone involved in the current proposals.
“PJ Livesey has commissioned detailed architectural history assessments from specialist consultants and archaeologists and regular meetings have been held on site with Historic England, which is responsible for scheduled ancient monuments such as Storeton Hall.
“This medieval building has been on Historic England's ‘At Risk’ register for many years and it is in danger of being lost altogether unless action to secure it is taken soon."
The representative continued: “The decision about the proposed restoration and conversion of the scheduled monument will be made by the secretary of state for culture, media and sport, not Wirral Council.”
“The site owner and the PJ Livesey company have consulted with Historic England for more than a year and held a consultation 'open event' to talk to residents and businesses in the area.
“The submitted proposals will ensure as many of the surviving historical details as possible will be preserved and left on show in the converted buildings to reference the site's history long into the future.
“We have taken great care to ensure that the submitted proposals will respect the historical setting and significance of Storeton Hall and secure its survival for future generations.”
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