High Street, Newmarket, CB8

Occupying a prominent and well-recognised position within Ashley, the property is instantly identifiable and forms an important part of the village streetscape. With positive pre-application advice now received supporting the principle of a return to residential use, the property presents a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial historic building with both heritage appeal and exciting future potential, subject to the necessary planning consents.

Originally established as a public house and later operating as a restaurant from 1987, this substantial period building has played a long standing role in village life. The sale relates to the freehold property itself and does not include any ongoing business, goodwill, fixtures, fittings or trading accounts.

With origins dating back over four hundred years, the building retains the presence, scale and architectural character associated with historic village inns, while providing generous internal accommodation arranged over multiple floors. The spaces have historically been used for dining and ancillary purposes, reflecting the building’s long term hospitality function.

Occupying a prominent and well recognised position within Ashley, the property is instantly identifiable and forms an important part of the village streetscape. Its scale, layout and historic character offer flexibility within commercial use, subject to any necessary consents, and will appeal to buyers seeking a substantial period property with an established lawful use.

This is a building with depth and narrative, shaped by centuries of use and adaptation, and now offered as a standalone property opportunity rather than an operating enterprise.

Heritage and Architectural Character

Dating back to the early seventeenth century, the building displays many features associated with its period of origin. Traditional timber framing remains evident within the structure, complemented by exposed beams and historic detailing that reflect the craftsmanship of the era. The overall form and appearance are characteristic of historic village buildings and contribute positively to the character and identity of the surrounding area.

The evolution of the property over time is evident in the way later elements sit alongside the original structure, creating a layered and authentic architectural composition.

Use and Planning Position

The current owners have obtained a positive pre-application response from the Local Planning Authority regarding the potential change of use from a restaurant to a single dwelling. The Council has advised that the restaurant is not considered a community facility for planning policy purposes and has confirmed that the property is not recorded as an Asset of Community Value (ACV). The pre-application response further advises that the principle of returning the building to residential use broadly aligns with the development plan, subject to the detailed planning, heritage, conservation and technical considerations associated with a formal planning application.

Whilst this pre-application advice does not constitute planning permission and no guarantee can be given that a future application will be approved, it provides prospective purchasers with a significantly clearer understanding of the Local Planning Authority's current position. A copy of the pre-application response is available to genuinely interested parties upon request.


Further Information

Additional information regarding the property, its history and planning context is available to genuinely interested parties on request.

Council Tax - Residential Accommodation - Band A

Services
Mains - Electricity, Water and Drainage
LPG Gas - 1000 Litre Tank - Kitchen & Hot Water
Electric Heating

Flood Risk - Very Low
EPC - Exempt

Internet - Super Fast (Ofcom)
Mobile Network - Coverage Good (Ofcom)