Newark & Sherwood District Council has ordered Pullan Developments of Sheffield to stop some of the work because the firm has strayed from its granted consent.

Ollerton councillor Ben Wells –– who sits on Newark & Sherwood's Planning Committee –– told Chad he has been watching the development closely and wants a site visit to be carried out.

"The council was waiting for further planning applications from the developers for any work which was not included in the Sue Ryder development plans that they were supposed to be working under," he said.

"However, a few councillors noticed that the further planning applications had not been received but additional work had been done at the site.

"If the developers do not submit further applications and continue with the work the council could be forced to take them to magistrates court, but we hope it will not come to that.

"Ollerton Hall has been derelict for 20 years or more and we want to see it brought up to a useable standard, so we hope the developers will comply and send the further applications so the work can resume."

The council's head of legal, democratic services and human resources Karen White confirmed the temporary stop notice means all development and building works that do not fall under the existing planning permission must stop until further applications are submitted.

"The council is of the view that the works being carried out are not in accordance with the planning permission and the notice therefore requires works to stop with effect from the date of service.

"The council has requested planning and listed building applications to be submitted for this work, but as yet, nothing has been received.

"The notice ends on 23rd May. During this time the council can consider further enforcement action to supplement this temporary stop notice.

"We hope the developers will stop works and submit the appropriate planning applications for consideration. Failure to do so, could lead to prosecution action being pursued through the magistrates court."