Barnard Castle's Jersey Farm Hotel expanding to cater for more weddings

The turn off for Barnard Castle's Jersey Farm Hotel

Earlier this month, Durham County Council planners approved a planning application for the Jersey Farm Hotel in Barnard Castle.

Leisure operator Apartment Group had applied to the authority for a major extension of the Darlington Road site.

Barnard Castle is a popular town to visit for people from across the North East.

In a statement submitted with the application, the business said the site had primarily been used as a wedding venue but claimed revenue has decreased in the past few years.

The new plans aim to allow the venue to accommodate larger weddings with a new reception area, function suite and kitchen and outdoor ceremony area.

According to planning documents, the development would also create around 40 new jobs – with 15 full-time and 25 part-time roles.

A Design and Access Statement from the applicant reads : “The existing hotel has been formed originally from the conversion of agricultural farm buildings and with various extensions, has evolved into its present form.

“The development still has an agricultural feel about it in respect of the materials of construction and the physical appearance.

“Our approach will be to maintain this agricultural feel and provide it with rustic feel.

“The materials to be used will be timber, stone and glass and metal sheeting replicating the agricultural outlook and maintaining its sustainability.

“By using a flat roof connection area, tying in the existing building to the new function suite, we are accentuating the drama of the proposed venue.

“We have attempted to replicate a modern sustainable ‘farm barn’ by the external envelope and the full timber detailing of the interior construction and furnishings. We are further developing this feel in the landscaping approach to the surrounding garden areas.”

It goes on to say: “In approaching the design of the proposed extension, we are going back to first principles – the original use of these buildings was as a working farm – and we are trying to incorporate this within our design.”

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