Plans to convert an historic Staffordshire barn into wedding accommodation approved

Plans to convert an historic barn into wedding accommodation have been approved by Lichfield District Council.

Blackbrook Barns, a newly established rural event venue, says the development would support a growing business.

The business, which first opened its doors this year, specialises in hosting weddings and private events and has already hosted 40 weddings.

However, the venue had no overnight accommodation, which the applicant says was limiting growth.

The applicant said the venue offers a high-quality, destination-style experience within a countryside setting. It has already created four full-time jobs, with a further 20 casual positions.

The listed barn will undergo minor internal and external alterations to provide 10 bedrooms. Planning documents stated that many customers travel from outside the area and rely on off-site accommodation.

Planning documents state: “The scheme seeks to expand on the existing wedding events venue by way of providing overnight wedding accommodation facilitated by the proposed change of use of the grade II listed building Blackbrook Hall.

“The proposed internal alterations are sympathetic to the listed building. The Heritage Statement concludes the scheme has been appropriately designed in order to minimise the impact upon the listed building.

“The small number of external alterations proposed with the scheme will continue to support the high-quality finished development on this important site, without impacting on the openness of the Green Belt.”

Initial plans showed that the applicant considered installing individual lodges on the site. Council officers who were consulted on the plans said that lodges could be considered inappropriate in the greenbelt.

The Grade II-listed building in Swinfen dates back to the 1700s and was once home to architect James Wyatt. In 2022 it underwent a significant refurbishment programme to be converted into office space.