We have now submitted a planning application for this project. We will post the planning references here when we get them back from the Planning Department. It’s taken a while, but I think it has been worth it – the houses should sit well in the environs of Chapel Lane, and provide much-needed local housing for young families. The full plans are too large to post here, but they will be available via the councile website in due course. In the meantime, here are a couple of images to give some idea of what we are proposing (please click to enlarge):

We have also started remedial work on the inside of the old pub. This work will involve stopping the water ingress and dealing with the damp, making safe the electrical installation, and bringing the upstairs flat up to standard, among other things. As always, please drop us a line if you have any questions or concerns.

The frontage of this former public house occupies an integral part of Staplehurst High Street, and thus of the local community. We believe that any development on this site needs to retain a viable business in the old pub building, and we’re actively canvassing local people for their opinion as to what this should be. We think a coffee shop or small bistro would work well, and provide a social centre for the village, but we’d love you to tell us what you think.

Together with our architects, we are in the process of drawing up plans for the old car park behind the pub, and will post them here when they’re ready. We are currently looking at building a couple of beautiful two-bedroom homes here, with off-street parking and comfortable gardens, ideal for couples or young families.