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A "seriously dilapidated" former pub could be transformed. Plans have been submitted to Mid Sussex District Council to convert the disused Castle Inn in Hickstead, near Burgess Hill, into a hotel. The proposals include alterations to the Grade II listed building to restore it to a traditional inn with lodging rooms above.
The upper floors of the building will be repurposed as hotel accommodation. The planning application proposes converting the existing residential rooms on the first floor, which will undergo minor changes to become en-suite rooms. A manager’s studio flat and a laundry room will also be included.
The building became a public house in the mid 20th century (Image: Google) The ground floor will see alterations to improve movement between the kitchen, restaurant/café area, hotel reception, and the stairwell, with an additional disabled toilet and access. The proposals also include the construction of new outbuildings to replace non-original structures. These will house toilets, an office, a staff room, and storage and will be built in the same style as the existing stable wing.
READ NEXT: Plans to convert former charity headquarters into flats The new buildings will also provide additional toilets accessible from the garden. The pub, which most recently operated as a Chinese restaurant up until January 2025, was recently purchased by the neighbouring owner of Hickstead Place. The original farmhouse and stables, dating back to the 18th century, were developed into a hotel in the late 19th century to early 20th century.
The building then became a public house known as The Castle in the mid-20th century. The pub is said to be in a 'seriously dilapidated' condition (Image: Landivar Architects) A new café and farm shop are proposed in the west wing of the building, while the ground floor will still operate as a public house and restaurant. The building, which was listed in 1983, is described in the planning application as being "seriously dilapidated" and having fallen into "serious disrepair.
" READ NEXT: Seafront restaurant allowed to keep beach huts permanently The proposals aim to restore the building's original use while also providing a viable and sustainable commercial project that will protect the "integrity and life" of the heritage asset. The plans also highlight the positive impact the restoration and regeneration of the building will have, due to its location on a prominent corner plot visible from all directions. The plans can be viewed using the reference DM/25/0736.
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