Public to have say on historic site of Lancaster mental health hospitals

Wednesday, 31 August 2022 17:13

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

The former Ridge Lea hospital in Lancaster

Residents are to have their say on the future of the historic Lancaster site of former mental health hospitals.

A public consultation has been launched to find out residents' views on Lancaster Moor remaining a Conservation Area.

The Lancaster Moor area includes the former Ridge Lea and Lancaster Moor mental health hospitals, as well as the original county asylum building now known as Standen Park.

Lancaster Moor hospital is a Grade II listed building and Standen Park is Grade II* listed.

The area also houses the Lancaster Cemetery, a registered Park and Garden designed by the prominent Lancaster architect Edward Paley, with three chapels, lodge and Crimea War Memorial; the small farmstead of Stone Row, with a group of historic buildings dating from the 18th and 19th century; and the area of Fenham Carr which consists of woodland with footpaths and now forms part of the public park.

Lancaster Moor was designated a Conservation Area in January after Lancaster City Council turned down proposals to demolish the derelict Ridge Lea hospital, which closed in 2016.

“We believe that the architectural and historic quality of buildings on Lancaster Moor fully justify Conservation Area status," said Councillor Gina Dowding, cabinet member with responsibility for planning.

“Before making that decision, however, we would normally ask the public for their views, but due to urgent circumstances were unable to do so back in January.

“Through this public consultation we are providing the opportunity for local residents and other people who might be affected by the decision to give us their views before deciding whether Conservation Area status should remain in place or be altered.”

Conservation areas help to protect historic buildings and features in the area to prevent demolition and inappropriate development.

Find out more and respond to the consultation here.

The consultation closes on September 26.