A town centre hotel dating back to the 18th century could be transformed with the addition of flats and modern offices.

Wiltshire Council has received a planning application from the owners of The Bear Hotel building in Chippenham - currently a tapas and cocktail bar.

Under the plans, the upper floors of the historic Grade II listed hotel would become five flats and one maisonette, with the former garage becoming a “contemporary” office space.

The Neo-Gothic building sits in a corner of the Market Place m and is described as a positive landmark of the town.  

Wiltshire Times: According to the heritage assessment, in 1978 The Bear found itself in the centre of a story carried in the Sunday Mirror in which undercover cop Martyn Pritchard discovered an international drugs ring, triggering Operation Julie.According to the heritage assessment, in 1978 The Bear found itself in the centre of a story carried in the Sunday Mirror in which undercover cop Martyn Pritchard discovered an international drugs ring, triggering Operation Julie. (Image: Heritage Planning Services Ltd)

Following the closure of The Bear Hotel, the site was unsuccessfully marketed in 2021 for more than nine months.

The applicant bought it in April 2022 and subsequently refurbished the ground floor of the building into a tapas and cocktail bar called La Taperia.

Wiltshire Times: When marketed, there was no interest from individuals wishing to re-open the premises as a hotel.When marketed, there was no interest from individuals wishing to re-open the premises as a hotel. (Image: Fleurets)

Now they are seeking to bring the upper floors and former garage back into active use.

Three self-contained apartments are being proposed for the first floor level, with two more on the floor above.  

A maisonette would also be built in the south west part of the building, adjacent to the former garage, which would be converted into a timber-panelled office space with a flat roof.

Wiltshire Times: The flat roof top is proposed to be used as an external seating area with a section enclosed by glass walls and a solar panel roof.The flat roof top is proposed to be used as an external seating area with a section enclosed by glass walls and a solar panel roof. (Image: Armstrong Architecture)

According to the application, “with the exception of the proposed first floor and roof terrace above the garage, the principal elevations facing north east and south west would only be subject to sympathetic repair and restoration focussing mainly on window and door joinery.”

The building dates back to the mid-18th century, when it was known as the Bear Inn.

When in use, the hotel had only seven bedrooms, four of which had shared bathroom facilities.

Wiltshire Times: According to the heritage assessment, by the 1970s the status of the Inn was in decline.According to the heritage assessment, by the 1970s the status of the Inn was in decline. (Image: Heritage Planning Services Ltd)

The planning application submitted to the council states: “The application proposals would bring back into use the upper floors of the Grade II listed former Bear Hotel within the Market Place conservation area which in turn would facilitate external repairs and restorations to the building delivering public realm improvements enhancing the significance of both the Grade II listed building and the conservation area.

“The conversion and associated improvements to the garage building would also provide a high quality modern addition to the street scene within the conservation area and would enhance the heritage significance of the listed building particularly to the side and rear.”

The consultation period for this planning application is open until Thursday, December 21.

Wiltshire Council are expected to make a decision by Thursday, January 18, 2024.