Sherston House in Wells Seeks Revival with Planned Renovations

Sherston House, a former pub and inn located on Priory Road in Wells, is gearing up for a revival after years of neglect under its previous owners, Punch Taverns. The establishment, currently operating as a hotel with a bar license, has submitted a planning application to partially demolish and rebuild the property to restore it to its former glory.

In the proposed renovations, the hotel will retain its five guest bedrooms while making use of previously public space on the ground floor to remodel the existing residential flat for the owner. Although the internal alterations are minimal, the applicant aims to remove the tired and worn out single-storey extension on the southeast side of the main building.

Replacing this extension will be a new structure designed to be sympathetic to the historic character of the main building, creating a fresh day room for guests. This project follows a separate application submitted in 2021, which sought to construct an extension housing a gym, pool, garden room, and office space on the property.

Constructed with natural stone, timber doors and windows, and a flat roof with a glazed lantern, the new extension will resemble an orangery or conservatory in a traditional style. It is expected to enhance the overall setting of the listed building by seamlessly connecting the grounds to the south with the main structure. Additionally, this addition will provide much-needed screening for the courtyard, improving the private space and creating a more cohesive layout.

To learn more about the development plans, interested parties can search for reference number 2024/0828/FUL on Somerset Council’s online planning portal. Public consultation on the proposals is currently open, and comments will be accepted until Tuesday, June 4. Sherston House hopes that these renovations will breathe new life into the historic establishment, ensuring that it remains a vibrant part of Wells’ hospitality landscape for years to come.

FAQ Section:

1. What is Sherston House?
Sherston House is a former pub and inn located on Priory Road in Wells.

2. Who are the previous owners of Sherston House?
The previous owners of Sherston House were Punch Taverns.

3. What is the current status of Sherston House?
Sherston House is currently operating as a hotel with a bar license.

4. What are the proposed renovations for Sherston House?
The proposed renovations for Sherston House include partially demolishing and rebuilding the property to restore it to its former glory.

5. How many guest bedrooms will the hotel retain?
The hotel will retain its five guest bedrooms.

6. What will be done with the existing residential flat?
The existing residential flat will be remodeled for the owner.

7. What part of the main building will be demolished?
The tired and worn out single-storey extension on the southeast side of the main building will be demolished.

8. What will replace the demolished extension?
A new structure, designed to be sympathetic to the historic character of the main building, will replace the demolished extension and create a fresh day room for guests.

9. What was the purpose of a separate application submitted in 2021?
The separate application sought to construct an extension housing a gym, pool, garden room, and office space on the property.

10. What materials will be used for the new extension?
The new extension will be constructed with natural stone, timber doors and windows, and a flat roof with a glazed lantern.

11. What style will the new extension resemble?
The new extension will resemble an orangery or conservatory in a traditional style.

12. How can interested parties learn more about the development plans?
Interested parties can search for reference number 2024/0828/FUL on Somerset Council’s online planning portal.

13. How long is the public consultation open for?
The public consultation is open until Tuesday, June 4.

14. What is the goal of the renovations for Sherston House?
The goal of the renovations is to breathe new life into the historic establishment and ensure that it remains a vibrant part of Wells’ hospitality landscape for years to come.

Key Terms/Jargon:

– Planning application: A formal request made to the local government to gain approval for the construction or alteration of a property.
– Listed building: A building that is recognized for its architectural, historical, or cultural significance and is protected by law from major alterations or demolition.
– Public consultation: The process of gathering feedback and opinions from the public on proposed plans or projects.

Related Links:

Somerset Council