Flagship hotel and restaurant set for extension

A flagship business in a north Norfolk town could be getting an extension.

Byfords in Shirehall Plain, Holt, is grade 2 listed and believed to be the Georgian town's oldest building, dating back to the late 17th century.

And Iain Wilson, the owner of the combined restaurant, B&B hotel, cafe and store, has lodged plans for a first floor extension to the back of the building.

This would provide one new bed and breakfast room to add the 16 posh B&B bedrooms and self-catering apartment that already exist.

While stressing that it was only one extra room, Mr Wilson said: 'If we get planning permission, and obviously it's early stages now, then the number of rooms will increase from 16 to 17. It's nothing elaborate or anything like that, but it does show we are doing well and there is demand for more rooms.'

A design and heritage statement, submitted with the planning application. was prepared by Fakenham chartered architect, James Henman.

It states that the proposed development would 'extend above existing single store extensions (kitchen storage) to the rear of the property to provide one bed and breakfast room with an en-suite bathroom.

'It is proposed to extend the roofline of the adjacent building with the same ridge line and eaves height and in matching pantiles. The west facing elevation will open up on to a small first floor courtyard which is screened from neighbouring properties by a stained timber screen fence which is screened further by a box planter and planting on the parapet wall. Access will be through the existing entrance lobby and reception area.'

Byford's website states that: 'Our 16 posh B&B bedrooms and self-catering apartment are undergoing a refresh, starting in spring.

'In addition to an interiors upgrade, we will be collaborating with locals to bring the best of north Norfolk's cultural and natural heritage - birds, beaches and boats, wildflowers and windmills, countryside and coast, into our hotel rooms.

'Look out for artwork, books and interesting objects that will help set the scene per room, alongside information of related things to see and do, telling stories about our place in this great county.'