More Heritage Planning Success
We are delighted to announce that Benchmark Architects has successfully secured Full Planning Approval and Listed Building Consent for the Grade II Listed ‘The Old Coach House’ - a public house, restaurant, and hotel in the heart of Potton, Central Bedfordshire.
Working closely with our client and Central Bedfordshire Planning Department, we achieved consent this week. We would like to extend our thanks to Planning Officer David Gauntlett for their proactive approach and excellent communication throughout the process.
‘The Old Coach House’ is a valued historic and community landmark, providing pub and restaurant facilities alongside hotel and bed-and-breakfast accommodation. Ideally situated in the centre of Potton, it offers easy access to local amenities.
Following a successful increase in trade since the pandemic, The Old Coach House is evolving to meet market demands. Instead of reducing public areas, the venue will now expand, ensuring it continues to thrive.
The proposals include the removal of later, harmful additions at the rear, and replacing outdated toilet blocks to improve access to the garden space. The bar, restaurant, and kitchen will be remodelled and extended, creating a larger, more efficient space for guests. The first and second floors will see improved staff accommodation and additional guest bedrooms, ensuring a better experience for employees and visitors. The partially demolished barns on-site will be reinstated to provide seven new guest rooms, including accessible accommodation. Externally, the car park will be redesigned with dedicated turning and drop-off areas, disabled and electric parking bays, and new external seating areas, with opportunities for enhanced landscaping.
The proposals carefully retain and respect the existing character of this important heritage asset. The principal façade remains untouched, while the ground floor remodelling enhances the sense of arrival and strengthens the connection to the external spaces. These changes will not only improve functionality but also reinforce the building’s historic purpose as a hotel and public house, as it was originally intended in 1783.
This successful outcome demonstrates our commitment to preserving and enhancing local heritage. The improvements will reverse the deterioration of the rear yard, creating a setting that compliments the Potton Conservation Area. Through careful planning and thoughtful design, the changes will ensure that The Old Coach House continues to serve the community for generations to come. This achievement is a testament to our attentive and collaborative approach to projects. By working closely with the council, client, and wider team, we ensured a smooth planning process while delivering the best value and design solutions. It has been a pleasure to support The Old Coach House in securing this exciting future. We are incredibly proud of the teamwork and dedication that have led to this moment, and we look forward to the next phase of bringing this vision to life.
26 February 2025