THE public body dedicated to protecting England’s heritage has raised no objections to a plan to introduce numerous changes to a listed property that has served as a home for several hundred years.

Historic England said it did not wish to comment on a 19-element revamp of the grade II listed Low Walworth Hall, near Darlington, after a heritage assessment of the plan concluded it would not harm to the privately-owned property’s significance.

It has been suggested part of the property, which lies within the former Walworth estate, dates from around 1500 and that in the early 16th century it was the dower house to Walworth Castle.

The heritage assessment for the application to Darlington Borough Council for listed building consent states: “Historical value derives from the ways in which past people, events and aspects of life can be connected through a place to the present. Clearly the Walworth estate has high historical value with links and associations with the Jennison and Alymer families.”

Thomas Jennison, a 16th century auditor general of Ireland, demolished and rebuilt Walworth Castle, but it fell into disrepair when his son was jailed for his Catholic beliefs.

The proposed works include reopening blocked windows, removing a modern staircase, introducing new stud walls and installing a new dining room fireplace.

The assessment found “several minor beneficial effects which will help preserve the architectural and historic interest” of the property.

It found conservation advice had guided the proposals to ensure the impact of work had been minimised and that where adverse effects had been identified these were carefully balanced against beneficial effects.