The owners of an “impressive” Georgian wedding venue are planning to close the business, which is “running at a loss”.
They say increases in tax, wages, national insurance, and catering costs are the reasons behind wanting to shut the Grade II listed Little Hermitage in Higham.
Geraldine Cox has since applied for permission to change the use of the wedding and events venue back into a detached house.
According to the design and access statement, the company, which was set up in 2004 by the Day family, has been successful over the years.
However, it states that the current high costs of running a hospitality business and the limited number of weddings allowed each year mean they can not continue to run or maintain the venue which dates back to the 18th century.
It said the firm is “running at a loss” and due to the cost of the property and ongoing financial outgoings of maintenance and staffing, it is not viable to be sold on [as a business].
The document added: “Many hospitality venues are closing, and the current policies continue to raise the running costs in terms of taxation, wages, national insurance, food and catering costs, which means it is no longer a viable business.”
It explained the Day family “want to close the business” and convert the two-storey premises in Gravesend Road back into a home.
The plans say it would not see any demolition works take place if approved, and the architectural quality of the Grade II listed building will be kept and “hopefully protected for its future use”.
The applicants claim that the change of use would be beneficial to the area as there would be fewer cars, no noise from ceremonies, and a reduced number of visitors.
The planning documents added: “The property was originally designed as a dwelling, and the proposal will revert to its original intention and will protect its future use and maintenance as it will not be dependent on the success of business use.
“We would suggest that the proposed change of use to its original design, as shown to be beneficial to the area and has no impact on the listing or architectural integrity.”
A decision is expected on the plans by Monday, September 22.
To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.
In July 2020, the administrator at Little Hermitage, Amelia Whitmore, feared many hospitality businesses would not survive when the easing of lockdown measures was postponed.
The changes were to allow small wedding receptions of up to 30 people; however, they were pushed back at the last minute for around two weeks.
Speaking at the time, Ms Whitmore said: “Our money goes towards preserving the building and the upkeep. I just hope the government has a little think and realises these companies will not be able to survive.
“Fingers crossed, we are getting through it, but it feels like you are getting there, and then you are not. It is a losing battle and quite worrying.”
In its heyday, the 18th-century premises were seen as a substantial house in the village, which originally had 72 acres of land, including a garden, pleasure grounds, park-like pastures and a field of excellent arable land.
The grounds were divided up, and now the site consists of only two acres, including the main house.
It has been owned by the Day family since 1995, originally as a family residence, and was “saved” and refurbished by David Day, who named it Little Hermitage.
In 2004, they decided to operate it as a wedding venue to create “happy ever afters” and carried out “extensive” renovations to bring it back to an “impressive venue”.
It has been run and maintained by the same family since.
KentOnline has attempted to contact the Little Hermitage for comment on the planning application but has not received a response.
