Cannock's White House will not be a wedding venue

Businessman Fred Pritchard announced his purchase of the Grade II listed property at High Green in June stating part of his plans were to once again hold nuptials at the site.

The Georgian building was once owned by Cannock Urban District Council and had hosted hundreds of ceremonies in the past.

But last week a formal planning application was submitted including a proposal for eight apartments, a restaurant as well as a photography studio but the idea to return to wedding services was conspicuously absent.

Mr Prichard has now told the Express & Star: “No operator could be found for the wedding venue who did not want to remove all of the walls and panelled rooms.

“We and the council’s conservation officer, felt this would destroy the character and history of the building so after discussion with the Council Conservation Officer it was decided to alter the plans to suit the building better.”

He added: “Many much-needed repairs have already been completed including major roof repairs, repair of sash windows after many years of never opening, along with plaster and other reclamations to bring the building back to its former glory.”

“The striking white and subtle grey external paintwork has already prompted numerous pleasant and positive comments as the best it has looked for some considerable time.”