Saffron Hotel in Saffron Walden to be converted to new homes

The Saffron Hotel in High Street, which dates back hundreds of years, will undergo conversion, demolition, extension and alterations.

The Grade II-listed building was originally three houses in the 16th century.

There are also Grade II-listed buildings near the former hotel, some of which date back as early as the late 14th and 15th centuries.

The doors of the hotel were closed for the last time at the end of 2022 after more than 80 years, and it has remained vacant since then. 

Plans include two three-bedroom homes and a four-bedroom property.

According to the plans, the development is "justified as necessary to ensure the optimum viable use, to secure its long-term use and maintenance for current and future generations".

The hotel was a three-star establishment with a restaurant and a range of rooms, including standard twin rooms and family rooms.

The plans state: "The proposed changes are designed to be non-harmful to the heritage assets.

"Any proposed refurbishment work undertaken will be subject to detailed approval and will be essential to the long-term health and longevity to the historic assets.

"It is considered that the proposals will help to ensure the sustainable future of the building and will contribute to the quality of life of existing and future generations and should be supported."