An award-winning hotel which has hosted countless wedding parties looks set to be converted into housing. 

The Grade II listed Stower Grange Hotel in Drayton could be turned into three homes under plans submitted to Broadland District Council (BDC). 

The application comes following the owner’s concerns that the business, which is also a restaurant and wedding reception venue, may be “unsustainable”. 

The Grange was first built in the 1600s with extensive rebuilding and enlargement in the 18th and 19th centuries. 

Eastern Daily Press: the Stower Grange Hotel in Drayton. Photo: Lauren Cope the Stower Grange Hotel in Drayton. Photo: Lauren Cope (Image: Archant)

It was previously used as a rectory before being turned into a hotel. 

The hotel sits four miles from the centre of Norwich and has two acres of grounds, with rear landscaped gardens and woodlands. 

A planning statement submitted to BDC said: “Due to an uncertain and potentially unsustainable future as a hotel, further accelerated by the impact of the recent pandemic, the client and owner of Stower Grange Hotel has reluctantly explored the more viable use. 

“The proposal looks to maintain a design layout which remains loyal to the existing internal and external design to retain architectural features, original access routes and ensure the generous spaces continue to be provided within at all floor levels.” 

The developer has insisted the change will result in minimal alteration while continuing the use as living accommodation while providing “a high quality and unique opportunity” that will “compliment the local community”. 

Each property is expected to have a “generous” living and dining room with home offices and bedrooms with ensuites. 

The 11-bedroom hotel has been favourably reviewed on TripAdvisor, with an “excellent” rating.  

It was put on the market in February last year with an asking price of £1.35m. 

The application will be decided by BDC in due course.