Plans lodged to convert Grade-II Staffordshire Moat House into hotel

Plans have been lodged to convert a grade II listed building, in the heart of Tamworth, into a hotel. The Moat House, which in recent years has been used as a bar and event space, could be turned into a 40 room hotel.

Built in 1572 by William Comberford as a family home and visited by the Beatles in 1963, the former asylum has struggled in recent decades to maintain a viable use for the heritage building. Plans have been lodged to Tamworth Borough Council which would see the reordering of the building as well as much needed repairs.

In recent years the property has suffered from water ingress, maintenance issues and an increasingly tired interior. A heritage report submitted with the application suggests that significant investment and a new use are needed to stop the building from being at risk.

The proposals detail that the Lichfield Road building will see a new hotel block being constructed on the rear car and to the west of the site. The block would see 33 hotel rooms to suit various guests’ needs, along with a seven in main Moat House building with a three-bed residential apartment for the owner.

The site is significantly constrained by the River Anker and flood defences, which is the biggest issue on the land, overlooking neighbouring properties and retaining a 30 metre separation distance and access.

Due to the new hotel block alterations would be made to the existing car park. This would include EV charging spaces, disabled spaces and secure cycle storage. Even though there are alternations to the car park the number of spaces remain consistent at 60 car parking bays.

The planning statement states: “The proposed development relates to the partial conversion and reordering of the Moat House to provide hotel accommodation and the erection of a new hotel block in the car park at The Moat House.

“The character and appearance of the proposed development would result in high quality addition that is in keeping and would relate well to its surroundings. The proposed development would incorporate high quality materials and design and would represent a scheme that will produce architectural interest.

The character and appearance of the proposed development is therefore considered to accord with local policy requirements. The proposed development would not result in any significant harm to the amenity of any residential properties.”

Residents have until 14 May to submit feedback on the plans. Full details on the proposal and how to submit feedback on Tamworth Borough Council’s planning portal under reference number 0095/2026.