‘Well-loved’ Holbeach pub can convert first floor into five-room hotel accommodation

A ‘well-loved’ pub has been given the thumbs up to convert its first floor into hotel rooms.

The Horse & Groom in Holbeach has received planning permission to transform unused residential accommodation into four double rooms and a family room, which will be accessed separately from the hostelry.

The 19th-century public house currently operates three bed and breakfast rooms from a detached rear building and hopes to expand this by utilising living quarters no longer used by the owners.

“The upper floor of the building is currently under-utilised, and the change of use would make it financially viable,” the design and access statement prepared by agent Oglesby & Limb on behalf of applicant Nick Williams.

“This is a good way of ensuring that a building continues to be maintained.

“The upper floor was vacated by the Williams family in July 2023, so the change would not require the loss of space that is currently used.”

Proposed plans show four double rooms, each with an en suite shower, toilet and sink, plus a family room which comprises a double bed, two single beds and an en suite shower, bath, sink and toilet.

The first floor is currently a four-bedroom flat with office, lounge and bathroom.

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Read our Secret Drinker review of the Horse & Groom here.

Support for the scheme came from Coun Nanette Chapman, who represents Holbeach Town on South Holland District Council, who said: “This is a well-loved pub in the town centre, always well kept both inside and out.

“The owners no longer live permanently on site so the accommodation is only occasionally used when hosting events.

“If left unused it will degrade and that won't be of any benefit to the town.

“The room sizes look to be good, and the access to the bar and restaurant below will be a great benefit to hotel guests.

“Pubs with rooms are a growing trend so I think the business will do well, and this can only be of benefit to the local business.”

The SHDC planning officer’s report said: “The proposal does not seek any external alterations apart from the proposed installation of a total of five extractor fans on the rear and side (east) elevations, as well as the installation of obscure glazing into a single window at the first floor level on the rear elevation.”