Planning permission has been granted for part of a restaurant in Baldock to be turned into hotel rooms, and a new wine bar and deli.

The plans for The George Hotel and Restaurant in Hitchin Street include inserting two windows to the rear of the Grade II-listed building, which is located within the Baldock Conservation Area.

North Herts Council has granted planning permission for part of the existing restaurant to be turned into four hotel rooms, and one retail and bar unit.

Currently, the restaurant takes up the entire ground floor, with the hotel accommodation above.

A design and access statement accompanying the planning application says: "Since the pandemic, the restaurant has not been viable to run at the current size.

"The owner has received no interest from the marketing of the premises. Operators are simply not interested in this size of establishment in this small town location.

"Operators have expressed firm intent on leasing the premises if a smaller restaurant size is provided."

Referring to the proposed independent deli/cheese shop and wine bar, as part of the plans, the statement says: "Another smaller commercial unit created would further enhance the active frontage of the building and would, in turn, enhance the vitality of the town centre."