At the VWHDC Planning Committee on 9 March 2022 planning approval and listed building consent were given for Ede Holdings’ application to convert Old Abbey House into a 27-bedroom hotel. Following representations from the Civic Society and the Archaeology and History Society it was agreed that the applicants would be required to set up appropriate arrangements for recording any historic features revealed or removed in the course of the work. It was also confirmed that all significant features such as fireplaces and stained glass would be retained and recommended that a 3-way meeting be set up with the heritage groups, the developer and the council to discuss how the proposals would be implemented.

While still disappointed that there will be minimal public access to the building, the Civic Society is pleased that a way has been found to prevent further deterioration and bring it back into use, and that the loss of important features has been reduced compared to the original proposals. We look forward to working constructively with the owners.