Woolley Hall: Residents demand answers over plans to transform derelict 17th century building into wedding venue and spa

Wakefield Council has revealed plans to transform Woolley Hall into a classy wedding venue and spa.

The hall, on the outskirts of the village of Woolley, dates back to 1635.

Owned for centuries by the wealthy Wentworth family, the council took over the building in 1947.

The local authority outlined its vision to restore the hall to its former glory in February 2022.

Council leader Denise Jeffery said she wanted the venue to become a modern wedding, spa and afternoon tea venue.

A third party is likely to be brought in to run a restaurant at the hall, which would be open to the public.

The plans were unveiled after campaigners warned that the much-loved building was falling to “rack and ruin”.

More than 18 months since the announcement, Andrew Jones, chairman of Woolley Residents