Sandiway’s historic Round Tower should be re-built by Christmas – subject to approval by the Secretary of State.
Cheshire West and Chester Council has submitted its application to reconstruct the landmark structure after the authority granted it planning and listed building consent.
The application is required to go to Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for final determination because the Council owns the Grade II listed structure.
Subject to approval, work is expected to begin in September and be completed in December.
The Gothic-style gate lodge to the former Vale Royal New Park was dismantled in November 2013 after a car ploughed into it, leaving it in danger of imminent collapse.
The Council recovered as many of the sandstone blocks as possible for use in the reinstated structure.
However, some sections will need to be replaced, particularly in the east side of the 19th century tower which bore the brunt of the impact.
A tendering process is underway to recruit a specialist heritage contractor to carry out the delicate project.
Local Councillor for Weaver & Cuddington Ward Charles Fifield said: “The Council stated its commitment from the outset to reinstate this cherished landmark and I am delighted that we are on track to return it to its rightful place by Christmas.
“Our property and conservation officers have prepared a detailed application to the Secretary of State with a full description of the original building and our plans for reconstruction.
“It outlines the traditional methods and materials that will be used, including the reuse of as much original fabric as possible.
“We are hopeful of a positive outcome within the next four weeks, which will allow us to reconstruct the walls during September and October when the weather is expected to be suitable for the specialist techniques required.”
A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) has been published advising motorists that the gap in the central reservation of the A556 at its junction with Norley Road will be closed for the duration of the works. Signed diversions will be in place.
It will also include the introduction of temporary speed limits on a section of the A556. A temporary 50mph limit will be in place on the westbound carriageway from the Whitegate flyover to the existing 40mph limit.
And a temporary 40mph limit will be in place on the eastbound carriageway from the existing 40mph limit for a distance of 100 metres.
Subject to the Secretary of State’s approval, the TRO will come into force on September 15 and work is expected to begin on site soon afterwards.
Councillor Lynn Riley, Executive Member for Localities, said: “The Round Tower is a much-loved local landmark and one of West Cheshire’s most recognisable historic buildings.
“I am sure the local community will be delighted to see it reinstated in its original position on the A556 – not to mention the thousands of motorists who pass this way every day.
“There will inevitably be some inconvenience to motorists while the reconstruction is underway, but I hope they will agree that the end result will be well worth the disruption.”
Built by Thomas Cholmondeley, later Baron Delamere, in the first decade of the 19th century, the crenulated Round Tower was marooned by the construction of the A556 in the late 1930s.
At that time, demolition was proposed, and although an adjoining square building – which formed part of the former lodge keeper’s home – was taken down, a local campaign saved the tower, which was listed in 1986.
