Improvements to historic Ironbridge hotel approved

The layout of the listed hotel will not change

Plans for renovation work on a historic Shropshire hotel to meet fire restrictions have been approved.

The Grade II-listed Tontine Hotel in Ironbridge was designed by architect John Haycock in about 1800 with the aim of visitors seeing the famous bridge.

Stonegate Pub Company said that the alterations it applied for were needed to "meet current standards".

They include new a fire alarm system, lighting and doors.

Telford and Wrekin Council's heritage officer supported the application due to the proposed external lighting being "discreet in siting, massing and design" with all of the lights except one being visible from the hotel's rear courtyard.

But they said internal lighting was considered to be "more visually obtrusive and jarringly modern within the hotel's historic interior, however the minor harm caused to the building's character is considered to be outweighed by the significant benefit of enhanced public security".

However, the officer concluded that the proposed scheme was "overall sympathetic and maintain the character and setting of the listed building".

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.