Norwood Hall business expansion to be considered by Newark and Sherwood District Council

A popular wedding venue in Southwell has applied for a business extension, potentially creating 12 new jobs.

Norwood Hall, on Halam Road, has proposed flexible use between a wedding venue and a hotel with a restaurant in its application to Newark and Sherwood District Council.

The applicant, Norwood Park Partnership, submitted the plans to expand the business, giving the owners additional flexibility with what can be offered to customers.

The application states that there are to be 12 new jobs added with the expansion, including four full-time employees and eight part-time employees.

The building is Grade II listed, but there will be no material changes to the property itself, according to the applicants.

Eight organisations were consulted about the application, including Southwell Town Council, the Conservation Section of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Historic England Midlands.

No comments have been received so far.

Norwood Hall, also known as Norwood Park, has been part of the history of Southwell since the 1300s and has passed through several owners.

The current owners, the Starkey family, purchased the property in the 1880s and have lived there ever since.

A planning officer visited the proposed site in December 2020.

Their report said: “In summary, the use is considered to comply with current national and local policies and would be suitable within the proposed location.

“Additionally, the pre-application advice confirmed that while the proposed hotel is considered a town centre use, when balancing the heritage risk to the building and the buildings close linked to Southwell, the siting of the use would be acceptable in the location without the need to support the application with a sequential test.”

If planning permission is granted, the business will become a hotel/ private hire venue from September 2021.

The owner, Sir John Starkey, has said: “It has been a challenging 18 months for all wedding venues, including Norwood Hall, and we would like to thank all our clients, suppliers, and the local community for their continued support.

"During this time of uncertainty, we believe this exciting opportunity will provide sustainability for the business, as well as benefiting the local community.

"We feel that this proposal will not only support our existing clients but open the door for others.”