Kings Hotel Stokenchurch: Historic building wrecked by fire could be given protections

A devastating blaze ripped through the Kings Hotel in Stokenchurch, a 16th century coaching inn, on the night of October 8 last year after breaking out in the kitchen of the newly-renovated building. 

Because of the age of the Oxford Road building, the fire spread quickly to the roof, causing severe damage. 

The hotel has stood fenced off and deteriorating ever since, with no evidence of any work to save the building taking place yet, despite residents of the village calling the hotel an "icon" of Stokenchurch. 

There appears to be ongoing and complicated legal matters involving the owners of the hotel and insurers, but many residents have been left wondering whether the building is too badly damaged to be saved. 

In an update from Stokenchurch Parish Council on July 28, they have reportedly been in conversation with the conservation officer at Buckinghamshire Council about the historic hotel. 

Chairman Cllr Victoria Nuthall says the building has been assessed internally as meeting the criteria for being added to the Buckinghamshire Local Heritage List. 

Buckinghamshire’s Local Heritage List recognises buildings, parks, gardens or archaelogical remains which contribute positively to the local character of the county. 

By adding them to the list, they can be given protections which are taken into account during the planning process.

The protection would be crucial if and when the hotel is rebuilt in the future. 

Cllr Nuthall's statement reads: "Stokenchurch Parish Council has been in dialogue with the conservation officer at Bucks Council with regards to the Kings Hotel.

"I confirm that the hotel has been assessed internally as meeting the criteria for being added to the Bucks Local Heritage List. The list will go forward for adoption by the council in December.

"Because it has already been considered professionally to meet the standard required, it can be identified as a 'Non Designated Heritage Asset' if an application were to be submitted In the meantime.

"A non designated heritage asset is a building or structure of architectural or historic interest which makes a valuable contribution to the character of an area, but does not qualify for inclusion on the statutory list.

"This means that its architectural and historic interest would be taken into account in any planning decisions."

Cllr Darren Hayday said the update was a "positive step in the right direction".