Planning application submitted for tourism development featuring a wedding and events venue in rural Northumberland

The application, for Hallington Mill, comprises the conversion of a stone threshing barn into a two-bedroom holiday home, alongside the replacement of a large hay shed with a new, multi-purpose events space.

Hallington Mill is a large, Grade II-listed property, set within 35 acres, around seven miles north of Corbridge and two miles east of the A68. The mill itself dates back to the 15th Century, but was rebuilt in 1708.

According to the bid, the aim of the proposal is to ‘extend and diversify the already successful operation of the mill as a luxury holiday home’.

A planning statement explains that it has attracted more than 1,900 guests in nearly three years, which the applicant, Robert Wiggins, estimates has contributed in excess of £1.1million to the local economy, supporting around 6.5 full-time-equivalent jobs annually.

Since 2018, weddings have taken place on the site using temporary structures and event licences.

‘Prior to the recent Covid-19 restrictions, 12 weddings were scheduled for 2020 and a further 12 booked for 2021,’ the statement notes. ‘These numbers are self-limited but demand has been higher.’

This latest scheme therefore seeks permission to replace the current hay shed with a ‘highly flexible function space of 360m² which can be zoned for small intimate events and larger gatherings up to 150 people’.

It would accommodate a number of uses including weddings, conferences and business events, and a range of community, art and history events.

Meanwhile, the original stone threshing barn and west wing of its surrounds will be converted, with the remainder of the extensions removed to reveal most of the historic fabric which is currently hidden from view.

The statement adds: ‘The conversion will provide luxury self-catering accommodation throughout the year for couples or small families on holidays and short breaks, as well as event-related accommodation such as a bridal suite during weddings.’

A new access and car park, chosen following traffic surveys, will be created leading from the C222 on the western side of the site.

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