Council set to decide on plan for works at Hever Castle

PLANS for major works at a historic castle, including new guest accommodation, spa and pool, a new restaurant and visitor centre, will go before councillors.

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Historic England has raised some concerns about the scheme at Hever Castle, famously the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, and council officers say it would cause “harm to the historic and architectural setting and significance of the listed building”. They have recommended the scheme is thrown out by Sevenoaks District Council's planning committee when it meets today (Thursday).

The works include reinstating a part of the Edwardian Astor Wing which was knocked down in the 1970s, to create additional guest acommodation and a spa, and replacing a redundant squash court with another five guest rooms.

The castle owners also want to construct three new buildings, one to house a new restaurant, another for a new visitor centre and shop, and a third for the miniature houses exhibition.