Listed former Saffron Hotel set to be restored to three houses
A grade II listed former hotel in Saffron Walden is set to be converted into three homes.
Plans have been unveiled for conversion, part demolitions, part extension and alterations to the old Saffron Hotel in High Street.
The business ran for more than 80 years but shut down two years ago after battling a number of issues including lack of on-site parking, noisy location next to the busy road, dwindling restaurant and bar customers and its location, with more attractive alternatives in the town centre drawing customers.
The proposal is to reinstate the former residential properties to create three individual houses.
As part of the development, alterations will include removing the yard and conservatory added in 1991 and replacing them with a smaller, single-storey, more appropriately designed extension, providing space for “external amenity”, parking and turning.
If the planning application to Uttlesford District Council is approved, the flat-roofed former rear function room would be repurposed to create parking plus external amenity space at first-floor level, the removal of decking added in 2014 and the creation of stores, recycling areas and parking.
The plans include providing four off-road parking spaces, which will be reached via the existing access to the site between No 10 and 12.
The planning heritage design and access statement for the plans says: “The proposed changes are designed to be non-harmful to the heritage assets. Any proposed refurbishment work undertaken will be subject to detailed approval and essential to the long-term health and longevity of the historic assets.
“It is considered that the proposals will help to ensure the sustainable future of the building and contribute to the quality of life of existing and future generations and should be supported.
“The proposed change will ensure the long-term future and survival of the historic assets, without detriment to them or their setting, and provide three new dwellings… close to the town facilities in a sustainable location.”
