PLANS have been submitted for 12 guest accommodation units at Cirencester Park as part of a wider wedding plan scheme.

A change of use application to convert two stables and a cart barn into accommodation units with parking provision at Ewe Pens Farm in Cirencester Park has been lodged with Cotswold District Council by the Bathurst Estate.

It forms part of a wider scheme to transform the historic Ivy Lodge and surrounding outbuildings at the park into an exclusive hospitality and wedding venue due to open in spring 2025.

The buildings are located next to Cirencester Park Polo Club in the heart of the historic privately-owned parkland.

Two stables and a cart barn located at the western edge of the Ewe Pens Farm would be converted into 12 guest rooms and a storage area used for servicing.

Each unit would contain a bedroom and bathroom with one unit having two bedrooms.

Vehicles would access the proposed accommodation from the Stroud Road, the A419.

A planning document - the design and access statement - claims the maximum daily flow of vehicles is likely to be 12 in and out of the site per day.

The applicant says: "The intention is to provide bedrooms that can, primarily, be let to guests at weddings that will take place at Ivy Lodge, within Cirencester Park, the Grade II* Listed Building having been granted planning permission originally in 2021 and varied by decision on May 2023.

"The works to convert Ivy Lodge are taking place and the intention is for the proposed units to primarily provide overnight accommodation for guests in conjunction with the weddings that will take place.

"The design approach has been to retain the existing buildings and their notable external features of interest.

"Existing openings will be used, wherever possible, with the approach being to replace the timber cladding at the front of the existing stables and retain stable door openings.

"Windows will be inserted into other openings, in place of the doors, to provide light into the rooms "The buildings will be converted within their existing confines, utilising the existing walls and openings wherever possible and replacing timber cladding, the condition of which has deteriorated over the years.

"The design intends to retain the historic appearance and reflect its previous stable use with the proposed treatment of stable doors, retaining the existing vertical supports and the pantiled roof generally enhancing the appearance of the building as a result of the alterations to provide a new use.

"The proposed use will generate minimal daily vehicle movements as the intention is that the accommodation will be occupied for two nights at a time with minimal movement onto and off the public highway.

"The maximum daily flow is likely to be 12 vehicles into and out of the site per day which would be negligible when compared to the existing movements into and out of the park via the same access point and will easily be capable of leaving and entering the A419 without causing any issues of highway safety.

"The proposed conversions will enhance the appearance of the buildings and their setting, and their re-use will ensure a beneficial future for the buildings."

See the plans - tinyurl.com/3ef5cbnu