Toot Baldon Mole Inn 12-room bed and breakfast plans lodged

The Mole Inn at Toot Baldon has submitted a planning application to South Oxfordshire District Council in the hope it will be able to convert its existing agricultural building into new accommodation.

A decision is due to be made on the application at a planning committee meeting on Tuesday next week.

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Toot Baldon householders, Mr and Mrs Trinder, said: "The 12 bedrooms and meeting or conference room would change what is a country pub and restaurant into a hotel.

New building proposed elevations. (Image: South Oxfordshire District Council.)

"There is no additional parking for this change.

"At busy times, the car park to the pub is already fully used.

"Toot Baldon does not have main drainage. We are aware there has been flooding on the road at the Mole corner on several occasions.

"We have concerns that the sewage and drainage system at The Mole would not be capable of coping with a large increase.

"We are mainly worried about the increase in traffic to and from the Mole, from guests, staff, and services needed for a hotel.

The Mole Inn. (Image: Google Maps)

"This is narrow country road, with no footway, and any increase in traffic is an additional hazard for walkers and cyclists."

Objector Jacqueline Lake, of Manor Farm, added: "Whilst I totally support local businesses as it makes the village more viable, I believe any development needs to be in keeping with the local surroundings and buildings and there needs to be adequate infrastructure in place.

"This development is far too large for the site and area and will have a detrimental impact on this greenbelt village."

Toot Baldon Parish Council has also objected to the application on the basis of heritage and transport concerns with other objectors also expressing concern the existing car park would not be large enough.

But the applicant states: "The proposed development will enhance the existing village pub and benefit the rural economy.

Toot Baldon. (Image: Google Maps)

"The use of a form reflective of the longstanding agricultural barn ensures the previous agricultural use of the land remains legible.

"The rural character of the area will be maintained."

Planning permission was granted for the development in February 2023 following submission of an application in December 2022.

But a new application is seeking to demolish the existing building and replace it with a new-build of similar footprint with a slightly larger lobby and floor area.

The proposed building will include timber cladding for the walls and metal framed windows.

The applicant insists there is "sufficient existing parking on site to accommodate this development" and "it would not have transport or highways impacts".