Brighter outlook for 17th century mansion trapped in 20th century setting

(First Edition)

Bill Wilson, a businessman from Crewe, is paying pounds 150,000 to move 340-year-old Platts Hall, which is surrounded by a chemical plant near Northwich, Cheshire. It will be taken 14 miles to his land in an operation that will take two years. Mr Wilson, who said he had always wanted a listed building, found it through the local council and is paying the chemical plant owners, Brunner Mond, a 'nominal sum' for it. Land around the hall was sold off for the plant 90 years ago.

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