Overnight accommodation and luxury apartments plan for Himley Hall

A former stable block will be converted into homes to give people the chance to live in the scenic surroundings of the park on the Dudley-South Staffordshire border.

While separate plans will see the former laundry block of the Grade II listed building turned into hotel rooms that can be booked for weddings and used by other guests during the week.

The exact cost of the two developments is not yet known but bosses at Dudley Council, which owns the building, hope the revenue generated from the plans will be sufficient over time to cover it adding that the project would bring in 'much-needed cash'.

Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said the authority believed there was great demand for overnight accommodation on the site because the lack of rooms often leads to people looking elsewhere for a wedding venue.

He also reiterated the development proposals were further evidence the local authority had no plans to sell off a building that has previously been dubbed the ‘jewel in the crown’.

“Himley Hall remains very popular for weddings, and we are often asked when people make enquiries with us if overnight accommodation is available on site.

“When we tell them no, on some occasions people drop out altogether and choose to book other venues. Others still have their wedding at Himley, but use other accommodation close by.

“So we are losing out on a potential income stream, both for the hall and the council, which these plans for hotel rooms will look to address. It will also enhance the experience of those who choose Himley to host their special day.

“With regard to the apartments, we have seen how other stately homes have generated capital and income from using buildings within the grounds for high quality housing.

“We think there is a real market to generate some much needed income for the council while providing quality accommodation that we hope will be sought after," added Councillor Kettle.

The stable block is currently used to host to training facilities, which will be re-located as part of the plans.

The grounds and Hall will still be fully open to the public and unaffected by the new plans, while popular events such as the Himley Bonfire and Armed Forces Day will see no change.

As the Hall is a listed building, the council is working closely with Historic England to consider heritage issues throughout the conversions.

Formal plans are expected to be submitted for consideration later this year.