A new planning application has been submitted to convert East Denton Hall, a grade I listed Jacobean mansion on Newcastle's West Road, into a long-term care unit for people with learning disabilities. The 17th-century building, also known as the Bishop's House, was once the residence of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle.
Previous Illegal Use and Fines
In 2025, directors of a company that previously leased the building were fined a total of £60,000 for using it as an illegal house in multiple occupation (HMO). The court found that 21 people were sharing 14 bedrooms and one kitchen, posing a serious fire safety risk. Newcastle City Council issued enforcement notices requiring repairs, including reinstating historic features and removing partition walls and doors installed to create extra rooms.
New Plans for Care Unit
The current owners, Gainford Group, have now applied to convert the hall into a 12-bed learning disability care unit. A spokesperson for the company said: “Gainford Group has been working with Newcastle City Council for the past five years to bring new life to East Denton Hall, and we continue to work closely with the Council to ensure the restoration, protection, and the bringing back into use of this historically significant Listed Building for the benefit of the community.”
“Gainford Group has one of the strongest proven track records in the region for restoring listed buildings. It is a matter of considerable regret that it has taken so long for East Denton Hall to be brought back into use, but we remain committed to ensuring that this is achieved.”
Proposed Works and Fire Safety
The planning application states that the main aspect of the proposed works is to bring the hall's bedrooms up to modern fire safety standards. The plans also include new doors and windows, as well as new plumbing. This follows a previous application in January 2025 to convert the hall into a nine-bedroom respite care unit, which was refused on the grounds that it “would harm the special interest and significance” of the site.
Council Enforcement Still Active
Newcastle City Council confirmed that the enforcement orders on the property, which came into force in October 2025, are still active. A council spokesperson said: “Our priority remains the protection of this listed building. We are continuing to work with the owner to ensure the building is secured and safeguarded. The enforcement notice previously issued remains in place.”
Judith Elizabeth Bango and Abid Hussain, directors of House of Peace Enterprises Ltd, were each fined £30,000 in 2025 after being found guilty in their absence at Newcastle Magistrates Court of running an unlicensed HMO and multiple breaches of HMO management regulations.
