A historic stately home falling into disrepair could be saved if a £4million funding bid is successful.

The Grade II* listed Broomfield House in Broomfield Lane, Palmers Green, is supported by scaffolding and is no longer safe for public use.

However, Enfield Council announced yesterday that it will submit the bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund this month to transform the derelict building into a heritage and learning centre.

The plans could see the Enfield landmark become a venue to display art as well as a place for students to learn about Enfield’s past.

If the bid is successful, the impressive building would also become a space to host conferences and events, and would be accessible to members of the public.

The iconic building was devastated by fires in 1983, 1993 and 1994, which left it in need of restoration.

Various proposals for the house have been submitted in the past – including demolition, transforming it into a pub and restaurant or creating sheltered accommodation for elderly people.

The building even featured alongside other listed buildings on television show Restoration in 2003 in a bid to win a free renovation. However, the house lost out in the regional heats to Wilton's Music Hall in the East End.

Councillor Del Goddard, cabinet member for regeneration said: “A tremendous amount of effort has gone into producing this HLF bid, particularly from the Broomfield Trust and Friends, but it has been worth it because working together we have produced an exciting vision that we think can work in practice.

“Broomfield House really needs restoring as we do not know how much longer it will last without urgent investment.

“In the circumstances the Heritage Lottery Fund has a real opportunity to help save this much loved, but distressed treasure; without their support I fear that the house may be lost to us.”

The HLF provides annual grants ranging from £3,000 to £5million to heritage projects in need of investment in the UK.

A statement, from Roger Blows and Laki Marangos of the Broomfield House Trust and the Friends of Broomfield Park, said: “The current plans represent a real opportunity to save one of Palmers Green’s few remaining heritage properties, and restore it as a much needed community asset for the enjoyment of future generations.

“Many people have already expressed a wish to become actively involved with the project, and the approach to the HLF is taking this into account.”

They said if the bid is successful, they would like to apply for a Parks for People funding to improve Broomfield Park.