Plans for ‘boutique’ bed and breakfast rooms approved

At a virtual meeting on Thursday (May 14), Wealden District Council’s planning committee north approved proposals related to Trading Boundaries – an antiques showroom based within a grade II listed former Georgian coaching inn in Sheffield Green, near Fletching.

The proposals, which involve the conversion of a former dairy and two buildings currently used as small shops, could see the creation of a total of 15 “boutique” bed and breakfast rooms at the site. 

Speaking in favour of the scheme, Cllr Neil Waller (Con, Crowborough South West) said: “I think this is a very good example of where pre-application advice has been listened to and I think we should encourage more applicants to do the same.

“It is a very sympathetic development to the listed asset next door. I think it enhances the current buildings and I think it will tidy what in place is a little bit  of a messy site.”

The full proposals would see extensive renovation works carried out to the dairy and both the courtyard buildings.

They also include the construction of a new single-storey building, which would effectively close off the courtyard by connecting the dairy to one of the courtyard buildings. This new building would contain three of the 15 B&B rooms.

One of the 15 B&B rooms would be for the use of a staff member.

According to the applicants, the buildings in question had been operating as small independent retail units since early 2000s, but have had a high turnover in recent years.

It is hoped the rooms could be used as accommodation for those attending live music events at the Elephant Cafe, the applicant says.

The proposals, which are also supported by Fletching Parish Council, were recommended for approval by Wealden planning officers.

While approved by the committee, there was some discussion about the conditions sought by Natural England to mitigate damage to the Ashdown Forest. 

The matter would be addressed via an appropriate assessment process, the committee heard.

For further information see application reference WD/2019/2503/F on the Wealden District Council planning website.

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