The Cheffins Planning department has recently secured planning permission and Listed Building Consent for the construction of an orangery, removal of a section of internal wall and internal and external repairs and enhancements at The Merchant’s House, High Street, Fen Drayton. The Merchant’s House is an early 16th Century Grade II* listed red brick house over two storeys and forms an integral part of the Fen Drayton Conservation Area. The Merchant’s House is one of 21,768 Grade II* listed buildings in England demonstrating its sensitivity and importance.

The current owners bought The Merchant’s House back in March 2019, in order to be closer to their business, Bannold, which is one of the UK’s largest independent family run suppliers of natural hard landscaping materials, which is also home to Carriage’s restaurant and tea room.

Edward Clarke, Planner at Cheffins who handled the application says: “Securing permission for significant alterations to listed buildings, especially those that are Grade II*, is always a challenge. We worked closely with the case officer and conservation officer to create a proposal which was sensitive to the historic and architectural merits of the building, whilst delivering a design suitable for modern living.”

For more information on this project, or for planning advice of a similar nature, please contact Edward Clarke at Cheffins on Edward.clarke@cheffins.co.uk