Rugby's Bourton Hall set to open as wedding venue after years of housing office workers

And as part of the transformation, a neglected former chapel attached to the Grade II Listed building will be brought back into use as a setting for the wedding ceremonies.

Planners at Rugby Borough Council have agreed a change of use for the 18th century Bourton Hall so that the former offices can be used for civil weddings and associated functions. They also agreed that Country House Weddings, the new owners, could convert rooms on the first and second floor into 21 en-suite bedrooms including a bridal suite.

A document sent to the council in support of the planning application explained that the hall, in Bourton-on-Dunsmore, was much altered when it was converted into commercial offices with led to the loss of almost all of the original doors and the majority of the historic architraves, cornices, skirtings and fire surrounds. A number of fireplaces were also taken from the building which dates back to 1791.

Now the new owners, who have a number of other venues around the country, plan to carry out work that will enhance the hall and chapel.

In recommending approval for the scheme, council planner Frances Keenan explained: “The chapel building will have the majority of the non-original first floor removed, leaving a small balcony area and the main ceremony room on the ground floor with a connecting registrar room.

“The ground floor of the hall will consist of the reception and entertaining areas, such as reception/ceremony room, lounge, dining room, main bar, kitchen and entertainment room.

“In summary, the removal of the 20th Century office/commercial additions is welcomed as they detracted from the building and did not provide an example of the positive growth of Bourton Hall as a listed building.”

She referred to ten letters from neighbours which raised a number of concerns. These included an increase in traffic, noise and disturbance, and worries over increased light pollution and rubbish from Chinese lanterns and balloons.

She added: “The proposal would re-use and adapt an existing building in a rural area, providing a positive contribution to its historical character. Country House Weddings intend to bring the building back into a viable use which will preserve the significance of the heritage asset, provide jobs for the local community and support rural services.

“Concerns were raised in relation to traffic/highways and noise/environmental health, but both these technical consultees found the proposal to be acceptable and appropriate conditions have been put in place where necessary.”