High Court rejects claim against council over decision not to renew option agreement for stately home

Hopwood Hall in Middleton, Greater Manchester, is owned by the local authority.

The claimant, Hopwood Depree, entered into an options agreement with the council in 2017 that would have allowed him to buy the building for a “nominal fee” if he could produce a commercially viable business model to secure its long term future, alongside a detailed planning permission.

DePree began work on the building and secured planning permission in 2022 to refurbish it as an event and hospitality venue.

However, in November 2024, the council decided not to renew the options agreement.

Through his legal action Depree was seeking to hold the council to its decisions in 2017, rather than those made two years ago.

However, Judge David Hodge KC has this week dismissed the claim. According to the BBC, the judge found the conditions required for ownership of the property to transfer had not been met.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Council said: “We are pleased with [this] judgment. It’s a shame that we had to endure a costly court battle to get to this point, as the time and money invested into this process could have been better spent on the hall itself.

“We’re now focussed on moving forward. More than £1.6m has been spent on the hall by ourselves and Historic England since 2017 and we will continue to invest in vital repairs to this historic building. Feasibility studies have already been completed and options for Hopwood Hall’s long-term future will be considered in due course.

“One thing we are clear on is, whatever the future holds for Hopwood Hall, this building, once restored and refurbished, will be used for the benefit of the wider community of Middleton who rightly cherish it as an important part of Middleton’s rich and varied heritage.”

Depree’s representatives have been approached for comment. However, the BBC reported that he was "incredibly disappointed" by the ruling and was discussing next steps with his legal team. "We are not giving up. Hopwood Hall must be saved."