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Derelict manor house could become SEND school

Tony GardnerLocal Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS)
News imageLDRS Lupset Hall in Wakefield, pictured in September 2026, a red brick building with sandstone window and door surrounds dating from 1716. The lower floor of the building is boarded up with metal sheeting to stop vandalism and the hall has fallen into disrepair since it was vacated in 2013. LDRS
Historic England added Lupset Hall to the heritage at risk register in 2022 because of deteriorating condition and vandalism

A derelict 18th Century manor house in Wakefield could become a school for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) under new plans.

The Grade II* listed Lupset Hall in Wakefield, built in 1716, was home to Wakefield's first MP, and its last use was as a golf clubhouse before it was sold by Wakefield Council in 2013.

In recent years, two sets of plans were put forward to see the site converted into housing, but neither were completed and it became "tragically neglected", the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

The new owner, Nine Points Property, wants to change the building's use to an education centre for about 70 pupils.

The school would provide "critically-needed safe learning spaces for children from the local area," a statement submitted on behalf of the developer said.

The statement added: "The current owner recognises the significant heritage value of the building and is dedicated to restoring the lost historical character of Lupset Hall."

Plans include demolishing the "visually unappealing" 1960s extension and rebuilding new facilities in its place to provide accommodation over two storeys.

The main staircase, severely damaged by a major ceiling collapse, has been "carefully removed and safely stored" by the current owner, the report said, so it can be reused where possible.

The report added the owner had also already secured the building to prevent further dereliction and vandalism.

News imageMH Architects Artist's impression of how the derelict Lupset Hall near Horbury in Wakefield could look if plans are passed to turn it into a special educational needs schoolMH Architects
Plans have been submitted to convert Lupset Hall, near Horbury in Wakefield, into a special educational needs school

The property was bought for the Gaskell family in 1806 and was home to social reformer Daniel Gaskell who became Wakefield's first MP in 1832.

Its parkland became City of Wakefield Golf Club in 1936, and the hall was used as the clubhouse, but when the club moved into the purpose-built Gaskell Sports Pavilion in 2013 the site became empty and fell into disrepair.

Under the newest plans the site would be accessed from Thornesgate Drive, with 15 parking spaces and electric vehicle charging points.

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