A leading Leicester businessman has submitted a planning application to renovate the grade-II listed Braunstone Hall and build a cafe in the surrounding park. The Leicester civic society has welcomed the plans to convert this run down 18th century country mansion in Leicester by Mr Naresh Parmar into a hotel and conference centre. The application comes after nearly seven years of negotiations between Mr Parmar and the City Council.
In 2013 Mr Parmar agreed a 125-year lease for the property in the heart of Braunstone Park, subject to getting planning permission. The proposal includes constructing a ballroom so the hall can be used as a wedding venue as well.
Stuart Bailey of the Leicester Civic Society said the proposals offered “a sustainable and workable future for this important listed building.”
He reportedly said the society had supported Mr Parmar in his plans to renovate the building since 2008.
However, according to Leicester Mercury one neighbour David Bartlett said all vehicle access to the site should be via Gooding Avenue and not shared with the Hinckley Road access to reduce impact on the surrounding park land.
Mr Parmar, who has previously restored the City Rooms, in Leicester city centre, and Belgrave House, reportedly said at the time: “It is a building with tremendous potential. It does need a lot of work but we want to turn it from being a disused eyesore into a building that reflects its former glory.”
