Planning Approval for the Change of Use of a Hotel to a Dwellinghouse

This month, WSCA successfully attained planning permission for the change of use of Broomhill Estate in Muddiford from a hotel (Use Class C1) to a private dwellinghouse (Use Class C3). The approved proposal will see the former hotel sensitively redesigned into a spacious family home, while carefully retaining the buildings architectural character and historic detailing.

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Located within the beautiful North Devon countryside, Broomhill Estate dates all the way back to the early 1900s, where it was initially created as a single-family dwelling. However, during the 1950s, the property was converted from its original residential use to a Bed & Breakfast guest house. Over time, the business expanded and evolved into an art-themed hotel.

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During it's time of operation, Broomhill Estate operated as a seven-bedroom hotel including features such as a restaurant capable of accommodating up to 150 diners, as well as a bar, lounge and conference facilities. Furthermore, the existing building also incorporated a self-contained 2-bedroom managers accommodation including a kitchen and two lounges.

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Unfortunately, despite the site's unique setting and character, the hotel business struggled financially and although efforts were made to re-establish the business, the hotel subsequently ceased trading before being put on the market and bought by the current owners.

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The approval has now secured a viable and sustainable long-term use for the building through its reversion to a single dwelling, reflecting its original function. The plans incorporate the reconfiguration of the former hotel from a commercially operated hospitality layout into a coherent private dwellinghouse, while retaining much of the buildings existing character and spatial arrangement. At ground floor level, former hotel preparation spaces, service areas and ancillary rooms have been redesigned to create a more practical domestic arrangement centered around family kitchen, dining and living spaces. At first floor level, the existing guest suites have been simplified to form a cohesive residential bedroom layout better suited to long-term family occupation.