By Lauren Monaghan, Junior Local Democracy Reporter
Strelley Hall’s owners are developing plans for a new bakery and dog play field at the site after an increase in visitor numbers.
The historic hall, in Strelley Village, sits around four miles north west of Nottingham.
The current building dates from in the 1780s, although a hall has existed at the site since around 1200.
Medieval features are still present, including a cellar and tower built into the current struture.
In the 1980s current owner and director Richard Henshell ran a pioneering computing school at the hall and it now also houses a business centre.
It became more of a visitor destination in the 2000s after the owners decided to open it up further to the public.
The Mulberry Tree Café in the stables bloc opened around a decade ago and most of the food is prepared on site.
During peak times, however, there is a need for food to be served quicker, a new planning application says.
The plan involves converting unused office space in one of the grade II-listed buildings on the site into a bakery and shop.
The proposed bakery aims to fulfil a variety of aims, such as using redundant office space, improving the quality of food and service at the site and aiding the existing café and main hall.
Historic plan documents from the 1780s and 1890s have shown that this area of Strelley Hall’s buildings was commonly used to provide a service.
Geraldine Rudham, manager of the bakery, said: “The bakery is due to open in six months time… it will be producing artisan bread, pastries, the bread we use there will be used for the cafe.
“I hope it’s going to be a great addition and local people can purchase fresh bread there daily and increase visitors to the site… people will be able to pre-order bread as well.”
The planning application also applies to the turning of a paddock near the hall into an area that visiting dog owners can use for their pets to play in while off their leads.
The space has previously been used by two horses to graze.
The two repurposed pens are open from 7am to 9am and can be booked for individual use.
A six-foot wire fence encloses the two areas.
Planning application documents read: “Strelley village and Strelley Hall has in recent years seen an increase in visitors.
“These have been led in part by an increase in footfall to the cafe in the stable block or using the site on route to further rural activities, often with a dog, either alone, in a group or family.
“The road leading to Strelley hall is not generally one which could safely have a dog off-lead, nor would nearby fields be particularly suitable for all dogs off-lead due to the risk to livestock.”
The planning application is due to be decided by Broxtowe Borough Council at a later date.
