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Search the Public Notice PortalA Grade II*-listed country house in Northumberland could become a luxury hotel if plans are approved.
High Close House is located on the western side of the Close House Estate Golf Course on the northern banks of the River Tyne, at Heddon-on-the-Wall.
The planning application submitted to Northumberland County Council proposed to redevelop the 19th-century house and its stables into hotel accommodation, along with associated parking and landscape works.
The design and access statement said the property, which has been vacant for approximately 17 months, will be developed as an 'exclusive luxury accommodation and leisure destination'.
Developing the two-storey farmhouse will 'increase guest capacity, support year-round visitor numbers, and enhance the estate’s financial resilience', a business plan document said.
The 'underused' building will be brought back into 'active high-value use', while the former stables will be demolished and reconstructed 'due to fabric deterioration'.
This will retain the building's character and 'complete a coherent courtyard setting'.
"The architectural theme is country estate heritage with modern comfort.
"Close House is a well-established leisure and hospitality venue known for high-quality accommodation and golf facilities.
"The demand is strong, particularly from golf groups, corporate retreats, and short-stay leisure guests.
"There is an aspiration for the estate to explore the return of a wedding offering, which will bring advantages to the local and rural economy in the area."
However, the limited accommodation capacity limits the number of bookings which can be accepted, encouraging guests to travel to Newcastle.
"To maintain competitiveness and increase year-round utilisation, the estate requires additional guest bedrooms and enhanced indoor leisure space," it added.
The project also aims to build on the success of international events hosted at Close House, such as the British Masters in 2019.
It will 'provide a high-quality, flexible overnight stop for users of the Hadrian’s Wall Path, addressing a clear need for comfortable, short-stay accommodation along the route', and therefore 'support sustainable tourism and active travel'.
For more information, visit the council's planning portal and search reference number 26/02287/FUL.
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