A large section of the roof at Stoneleigh Abbey may have to be completely removed and replaced as essential repair works are due to take place.

Stoneleigh Abbey Trust has been given listed building consent for the works on the northern wing of the grade I listed building.

Sections of roof, the gutters, windows and stonework are all in need of repair, with the full extent of the works yet to be fully uncovered.

So permission has been given for a "worst case scenario" scheme to remove the tiles from a large section of the roof to make repairs.

"The condition of the roof coverings is deteriorating, and there are two options under consideration at this time," the application to Warwick District Council said. 

"The first is to carry out repairs to the ridges and tiles as far as possible, replacing broken and missing tiles with new hand made clay tiles and ridges to match. 

"The second is to entirely strip the roofs, replace the Monarflex with Tyvek or equivalent, and relay the roofs using all salvageable tiles and ridge tiles, with the shortfall made up with new handmade clay tiles to match."

Repairs are needed on the northern wing of the abbey (image via planning application)

The northern wing of the abbey dates back to the 1570's but was largely rebuilt in the early 19th century.

Much of the building has now been converted into residential apartments.

Plans state the stonework is mostly in a "reasonable condition" but there are areas of "decay and cracking".

The application added: "The proposed works will improve the condition of the building, and are intended to ensure the long term integrity and durability of the historic fabric and appearance of the building. 

"Repairs will be carried out in matching materials to the existing fabric using traditional methods and craftsmanship."

Signing off on the plans a council report said the works were necessary and should be allowed to go ahead.

"It is considered that the proposed works are acceptable, aiming to promote the longevity of the impacted areas and the heritage asset as a whole," the report explained. 

"There will be a visual impact from the proposed works to the roof and the replacement stonework however it is considered that these works have been kept to a minimum and will ensure the overall preservation of the listed building, with the benefits considered to balance any harm resulting in a neutral impact overall."

See the fill application here.