A GRADE II-listed building which has been semi-derelict for 50 years could be restored to its former glory and turned into a house.

A plan to turn the Old Hall, near Back Lane in Egglescliffe, near Stockton, into a home along with two nearby farm buildings has been submitted to Stockton Borough Council's planning department.

There have been objections from 29 villagers worried about overdevelopment, traffic and conservation issues, however, another 11 Egglescliffe people have written in support saying they want the Old Hall restored.

The plan also involves the building of two new houses and a farm road at Manor Farm, on Back Lane and Village Farm on Church Road. Egglescliffe, an historic village, is in a specially designated conservation area, which makes it harder for new developments to be approved.

The Old Hall has not been occupied since the 1960s and is in multiple ownership, but the application has been made by the farmer of Manor Farm. Its adjoining buildings are used for farming purposes.

The application is accompanied by a sister plan for other sites in the village to create a combined eight residential properties across the village.

Conservation organisation, Tees Archaeology, has been been consulted and the organisation has supplied comments for Stockton council's planning committee. The Tees Archaeology report said the Old Hall has the appearance of an 18th Century gentrified home but in fact may have medieval originals. Some of the other sites could be potential as an archaeological site which could lead to information about medieval activity. The organisation wants to investigate further before any demolition takes place.

Stockton's planning officers have recommended approval as long as a number of conditions are complied with, including that a schedule of work is submitted for The Old Hall that must be agreed by the council.

Reasons for objecting include traffic, possible damage to the village green, damage to wildlife, including bats roosting in the buildings, and a negative effect on the character of the village. One objector wrote: "Egglescliffe retains both a community atmosphere and an old world charm that is very rare in today's world."

Those supporting the scheme say it will improve dilapidated buildings, be a useful addition to the stock of family housing, support farmers who are involved in community activities and restore a Grade II-listed building.

One resident wrote: "These proposals, if they proceed, could provide the funding the ensure that the old manor house is restored, which would be a contribution to the history of the village."

The application will be discussed at Stockton council's planning committee on Wednesday, August 12 at 1.30pm in Stockton Central Library.