Renovations approved at The Highlander in Northumberland as pub seeks to improve function space for weddings
Plans for the redevelopment of an historic country pub have been approved.
It is planned to renovate old function rooms at The Highlander, near Belsay, to improve its entertainment space.
The pub reopened in 2023 after a five year closure following its purchase by the owners of award-winning weddings venue Ellingham Hall.
Claire Simm, senior planning officer at Northumberland County Council, reported: “Whilst the development would result in some alteration to the historic fabric, including the installation of photovoltaic panels and the introduction of a contemporary extension, these interventions have been carefully considered and limited in extent.
“The proposal also includes a number of positive design measures, including the repair and restoration of the building, the reopening of historic openings and the removal of unsympathetic modern features.
“The proposal represents a sensitive refurbishment and extension of existing buildings associated with The Highlander public house, securing the continued use and long-term viability of a heritage asset whilst supporting the social and economic vitality of Belsay.”
There had been no objections to the proposal.
A planning application by Helen Ruff had outlined plans to build on the success of the past three years.
A report on the applicant’s behalf states: “The Highlander has been successfully running since 2023 under new ownership, and the pub has established a new customer base and is building an excellent reputation for food and atmosphere.
“The business has identified a need for a larger private entertaining space for functions and corporate use, including weddings and private parties.
“The barn buildings wrapping around the courtyard were formerly used for this purpose, but need refurbishment and the asbestos roof needs to be replaced.
"Additional storage, kitchen and toilet facilities would be required, including an accessible toilet. Insulation needs upgrading, and the replacement of the roof provides the opportunity to install a large number of solar panels and some rooflights to increase natural light.”
The report adds that the extension to the business would create an additional seven jobs.
The Grade II listed pub was built in the early 19th century although there is believed to have been an inn on site since around 1700 and that it was visited by Bonnie Prince Charlie, son of England’s exiled Stuart King James II who is said to have bathed on the site in 1746.