Former toy shop set to become hotel rooms

PLANS to convert a former toy shop and holiday let in Bell Street to hotel accommodation and function space have been approved.

The Brakspear pub company, which owns the premises, applied for planning permission in February to convert the Grade II listed shop from a first floor retail unit into a function space to be used by the Bull on Bell Street.

It also applied for permission to convert the adjacent building from its current use as a short-term holiday let property into six hotel rooms.

The shop was formerly used by Bagatelle, which left when the lease expired in March 2023 before new owners opened a new shop further up Bell Street.

Under the plans, the kitchen at 63A, known as The Dolls’ House, will be converted into a en suite and bedroom with rear courtyard access.

A design and access statement by DP Architects said the premises is “not financially viable” under its current use and that it would provide a “much-needed” function space for the Bull.

They said: “This change of use would allow the pub to cater for larger events, space for which is currently limited within Henley town centre.

“These additional accommodation rooms and function room would enable the Bull to provide further services, functions and meetings without impacting the use of the main dining space or courtyard.” Henley Town Council recommended the plans for refusal twice after its planning committee said it failed to meet the requirements of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan.

Councillors said there was insufficient information to support the change of use and it would result in a loss of available retail space in the town centre and that there was “no evidence” to show it would enhance the area’s character.

However, South Oxfordshire District Council approved the plans despite the town council asking for the application to be “called in” and reviewed by the district council’s planning committee. Planning officer Tom Wyatt said in a report that the committee’s call-in request was invalid.

He wrote: “While Henley Town Council raised a formal objection to the applications, both the change of use application and the listed building consent are listed as ‘other’ rather than ‘minor’ development.

“As such, the town council’s contrary view does not trigger a committee referral under the current constitution.

“A ‘call-in’ request was received from the local ward member, however this was outside the 28-day period set in the constitution and as such, it was invalid. The relevant parties were notified.” The application was approved.