An historic York pub wants to make big changes inside and out.
Plans are in to refurbish The Windmill on Blossom Street.
The pub, now owned by Greene King, dates back to the 1600s and is Grade II listed.
Under plans submitted to City of York Council, the pub would see a major refurbishment of its interior.
Greene King wants to make a new 1.1m opening in an internal wall “to improve customer flow through the building”.
Vinyl flooring will be replaced. “Generally, where traditional timber or flagstone flooring is present, this is to be retained, and only the more modern floor coverings are to be replaced,” planning documents state.
Seating will be replaced and the ground floor redecorated, including new festoon lighting: “Wall and floor finishes will receive new painted, wallpaper and timber panelling finishes, which will be fully in keeping with the historic style of the building.”
The bar area will also be updated.
The biggest changes will be outside. A design statement says: “The existing conservatory at the rear of the main building is formed as a glazed timber framed roof and outer wall structure, and is a modern, non-original addition to the premises, which is now falling into a state of disrepair, requiring extensive maintenance.
“It is proposed to take down the conservatory roof and outer glazed wall, and to rebuild the conservatory over the same plan area, with a new fully insulated structure.”
In addition “a new open sided shelter is to be added to the existing raised patio area immediately outside the conservatory”.
The Windmill has a long history. “It was originally constructed as two cottages, likely part of the reconstruction efforts following the Siege of York during the English Civil War,” the application says.
It has operated as an inn since at least 1735. “The Windmill Inn played a significant role in the local economy, especially with the opening of the nearby York railway station.
“The pub provided stabling for 65 horses and had its own brewhouse until 1893. It catered to travellers, cyclists, and motor car drivers, reflecting the changing modes of transportation over the centuries.”
Planning documents conclude: “It is hoped that the proposed development will help to provide a much improved customer experience in the internal and external areas of the premises, whilst causing minimal disturbance of the buildings, and will help to ensure the long term viability of the business into the future.”
You can read and comment on the plans here.