The small Grade II manor house dates from the mid 17th century and is thought to have been built by historically important agriculturalist Henry Best.

It is now in a state of advanced disrepair, in the wake of many years of wrangling over how best it should be managed.

Now, in the latest planning twist, an application has been submitted to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, seeking listed building consent for the repair and alterations to the existing building.

The application has been submitted by a company called Elmswell Heritage Ltd and identifies a large amount of work to be done in order to 'consolidate the remains' of the hall.

The scheme has already won the backing of one East Riding of Yorkshire Councillor.

"I am delighted that this has been lodged and wholeheartedly support it," said Coun Felicity Temple, who has campaigned alongside her colleague Coun Symon Fraser for a number of years to see the building preserved for future generations.

She said that the hall was a valuable historic asset and pointed out that if consolidation took place the owners had previously agreed to allow people, such as schools and those interested in history, to make appointments to view the former home of Henry Best, whose Farming and Memorandum Books were published by his great-great-great grandson, Charles Best Robinson, in the 1850s.

Further details of the significance of the Estate are provided in a report called The Henry Best Estate, Elmswell - Assessment of Archaeological Potential, which was prepared by Humber Field Archaeology for English Heritage.

Once the remains have been consolidated it will be possible to allow interested members of the public access to the exterior of the hall and its immediate surroundings by arrangement with the owners. This is not currently possible because of the unsafe nature of the structure.

Elmswell Old Hall is close to the centre of the Elmswell Estate and there is no current public access to the building or its surroundings.

The building is not visible from any public road or footpath.

It is included on the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest as Grade II.

Since 2000, various proposals supported by the owners to secure the future of the building - ranging from reconstruction to form a new dwelling to consolidation of the remains - have failed. An attempt by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council to compulsorily purchase the building also failed following a costly court case.