Historic Rugeley hotel to be turned into homes

Developer Strada Romana will create 27 properties at The ‘rundown’ Grade II-listed Cedar Tree Hotel in Main Road, Rugeley.

A total of 16 houses will be built on an existing car park, while nine apartments will be created within the main hotel building. An annex will make way for two houses.

A squash court and function room attached to the building will also be demolished.

Cannock Chase District Council approved the plans this week. It follows two other planning applications that were approved but were never acted upon.

The first plan in 2009 was for 14 homes, while a second was a proposal for seven homes in 2011.

Ward councillor Alan Dudson said: “I am pleased it is going to happen, I believe it will enhance the area.

“It looks rundown at the moment and when the Premiere Inn opened by Collies Arms it took a lot of business away.

“This council investment to build properties for luxury apartments is great.

“I hope the developers look at the people who live nearby in Church View. There is a row of seven terraced houses there and the building could be disruptive to them.”

The building dates back to the 18th century, when it was built as a private house known as Cedar Lodge, and is one of six listed buildings in the Brereton Conservation Area.

It was remodelled in the 19th century and has a reception, bar and restaurant and a kitchen. The hotel is named after the 400-year-old tree that is on the grounds.

Councillor Dudson added: “The cedar tree out the front will not be touched because it has a protection order on it.

“It will look nice when it is painted and it can only better the community.

Under the plans a new access from Main Road will be built and the main building will undergo restoration work.