One of Cheshire’s most iconic historic sites is set for a 21st Century safety upgrade.

Listed building consent has been granted by Cheshire West and Chester Council to replace two 19th century doors inside the Lodge entrance to Beeston Castle in Tarporley. The doors provide access to a connecting corridor which bridge the arch of the gateway between the two turrets.

But English Heritage – the charity responsible for maintaining the nation’s historic sites – wants to replace them with upgraded fire doors to provide greater fire protection. The work would create a ‘secure and fireproof compartment room’, creating a fire screen between the two sides of the Lodge gatehouse.

It plans to remove the two existing doors and store them for possible future use or display. Two new bespoke timber plank doors would be manufactured to imitate the appearance of the existing doors.

A design and access statement submitted in support of the work said a recent fire risk assessment had indicated that the current doors were not up to standard.

It added: “In order to provide better fire safety precautions for occupants and building fabric it is recommended that two doors to the corridor joining the two turrets at first floor level should be upgraded with 30‐minute fire doors with self‐closers and intumescent strips and smoke seals. Due to the poor construction of the existing doors, including gaps and later alterations, it is not considered appropriate to upgrade the existing (doors).”

The Grade II-listed Lodge was built in the mid 19th century, with the castle itself constructed around 1220. The lodge is part of the wider Grade I-listed site which includes the medieval castle and perimeter wall remains. It is currently used as a visitor centre and museum on the ground floor and offices/storage at first floor level. 

Recommending approval, a planning officer’s report added: “The additional protection afforded by the upgrading of the doors would help protect the building against fire.

“The conservation and design team advise that the proposed works and repairs amount to a neutral impact on the heritage asset.”