HISTORIC Stanmer House is to be opened to the public under new development plans.

And it looks likely that a charity for disabled children will be given use of the stable block for holidays and activity weekends.

The news comes only a couple of months after fears were expressed that the once-beautiful mansion, empty for nearly 20 years, was to be turned into offices.

Brighton and Hove councillors selected local company Cherrywood as developer to restore the 18th Century Palladian building in Stanmer Park on the edge of Brighton.

The council will work with the company to renovate both the house and the neighbouring stable block.

But Cherrywood plans to restore the ground floor state rooms at the Grade I listed building as function rooms and a tea room which would also make use of the ornamental garden.

Internal features, including original decorations, will be retained in these rooms and the exterior will be largely unaltered.

The less grand upper floors are likely to be developed as either offices or homes.

Cherrywood favours a charity for disabled children and their families using the stables, including a weekend and holiday club for local children.

The house exterior was restored a year ago by English Heritage, the council and the Stanmer House Preservation Trust.

Council leader Lord Bassam said: "This magnificent building has had a question mark over its future for far too long.

"The developer's plan fits nearly into our vision for Stanmer Park which people helped to form locally."

Cherrywood spokesman Mike Holland said: "Our scheme will bring both the house and the stables back to life.

"There will be a high level of public access to the house and the stable block will be dedicated to helping disabled children."

Judge Rolf Hammerton, chairman of the trust, said: "I'm delighted to hear of anything that can be done to preserve the building and we wish the council the best of luck."

The stables plans were in line with the trust's proposals.

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