A GRADE-II listed hotel in Oswestry has submitted plans to Shropshire Council to make a series of internal alterations, to help avoid further decline in the building.

The plans are for the Wynnstay Hotel in Church Street, and show that work on the ground floor level would be for a new window opening, a feature wine room and creating access between different parts of the hotel.

A heritage design and access statement created on behalf of owners the Coaching Inn Group by JEH planning has set out what changes are being planned.

It said: "(There are) internal alteration works at ground floor level including a new internal window opening into the lobby of main entrance; the creation of feature wine room and the creation of a door opening between Wilson’s Café Bar and the dining room.

"The reopening the front entrance into Wilson’s Bar and creation of an internal lobby.

"Also, new internal doors between the breakout lounge and proposed meeting events area."

It added: "Prior to submission of this application, the applicants have taken a responsible approach and adopted good planning practice by entering into pre-application discussions with the Council’s planning and conservation departments.

"A fully itemises account of the proposed alteration works to refurbish the property together with sketch plans was submitted as part of this process on June 1, 2022."

According to the statement, the alterations are part of a bid to provide more investment into the hotel by its news owners, who want to use its prime position in the town to boost numbers.

It said: "The Wynnstay Hotel has been in decline as a business for a number of years.

The building has not benefitted from the level of investment commensurate with its high architectural and historic significance.

"Over the years piecemeal changes and additions have resulted in a situation that do not optimise the use of the building or serve to enhance its special character.

"The Coaching Inn Group have recently purchased the property and are keen to undertake sensitive refurbishment works – they have a significant budget to invest in undertaking these works."

The statement adds that the changes will help the Coaching Inn show a more flexible approach to what customers it wishes to attract and that they plan to 'refresh' the look of the hotel.

For more information or to comment on the application, head to https://pa.shropshire.gov.uk/online-applications and search 22/03778/LBC.