No – the outdoor community space will be maintained and enhanced as part of the plans. The design has been carefully developed to ensure that the pub continues to offer welcoming, accessible, and flexible outdoor areas for local residents. In addition, the existing section of the pub will remain as an open and adaptable space, ensuring it can always be used for community gatherings, events, and day-to-day enjoyment by the local community. The extension is intended to improve the overall facilities, not replace or restrict the valued community areas.

While the number of on-site parking spaces will be reduced slightly, the proposed layout still provides sufficient parking for all hotel guests. In addition, arrangements are in place for guests travelling by car to make use of our designated off-site parking facilities. This ensures that the development will not create additional pressure on local roads or result in overspill parking within the surrounding streets. The parking strategy has been carefully planned to balance the extension with the need to protect the convenience of both guests and the wider community.

No – the aim is not to turn the pub into a fine-dining-only venue. Our focus is on serving good-quality, freshly prepared food that is welcoming and accessible to everyone. We are committed to working closely with local farms and suppliers to source ingredients sustainably, reduce food miles, and celebrate the best produce Oxfordshire & the UK has to offer. Menus will remain seasonal, with a balance of traditional pub favourites and new dishes that highlight local produce. The pub will continue to be a community-friendly place to eat, drink, and gather, while offering improved choice and quality for all.

The footpath will remain open for the vast majority of the construction period. Our construction management plan has been designed to ensure safe pedestrian access at all times, with scaffolding and temporary works set up specifically to protect and maintain the route. Only in very limited circumstances, and for the shortest possible periods, might there be a need for temporary adjustments. In those cases, clear signage and safe alternative access will be provided. We are committed to minimising disruption to the local community throughout the works.

No – the existing local drainage network is not suitable for the additional capacity. To ensure there is no impact on the local system, the extension has been designed with a self-contained, on-site drainage solution. This system has been developed in line with Environment Agency guidance and will fully comply with Building Regulations standards. By managing waste and surface water on site, we can provide a sustainable and robust solution that avoids placing any additional burden on the local network while protecting both local infrastructure and the wider environment.

The project has been carefully designed to deliver a wide range of community benefits, including:

• Preservation and enhancement of community space – Outdoor areas will be maintained and improved, while the existing pub section will remain an open, flexible space for community use.

• Improved dining offer while remaining accessible – Menus will focus on good-quality, seasonal food using locally sourced produce, with traditional pub favourites alongside new dishes, ensuring accessibility for all.

• Support for the local economy – The extension will create new jobs and strengthen links with Oxfordshire farmers and food producers through local supply chains.

• Strengthened role as a community hub – The upgraded pub will provide a more welcoming, versatile venue for meals, drinks, celebrations, and local events, ensuring its long-term place in Woodstock’s social life.

No – affordability is central to our approach. The pub will continue to offer reasonably priced food and drink so that it remains accessible to local residents as well as visitors. The focus is on good-quality, seasonal produce at fair prices, not exclusivity. In the same way, the hotel rooms will be priced competitively within the local market, offering comfortable accommodation that is welcoming to a wide range of guests. This approach not only ensures the pub remains a genuine community venue, but also supports local tourism by attracting visitors who contribute to Woodstock’s wider economy, benefiting nearby shops, cafés, and services.

The hotel rooms will help meet a clear local need. Woodstock’s existing hotels are often fully booked, particularly during peak tourist periods, which can make it difficult for visitors to stay locally. By providing additional, well-designed accommodation, the development supports local tourism, helping to attract visitors who will spend money in shops, cafés, restaurants, and other local businesses. This, in turn, strengthens the local economy and helps sustain jobs in the town. At the same time, the hotel rooms are carefully designed to be sympathetic to the community and will not compromise the pub’s role as a welcoming space for residents.

The design of the extension and renovation has been carefully planned to respect and enhance the local natural environment. Landscaping and site works will incorporate native planting and green spaces to support biodiversity, and measures will be taken to protect the River Glyme and its habitats. The development will ensure that runoff and drainage are carefully managed on site to prevent any impact on the adjacent SSSI. Overall, the project aims not only to avoid harming the local ecology but to improve it where possible, creating a positive connection between the pub site, the river corridor, and surrounding wildlife.

Construction will be carefully managed to protect local wildlife and habitats. Temporary measures such as protective barriers, controlled access zones, and silt management will be used to prevent disturbance to the River Glyme and surrounding areas. Working hours and site activities will be planned to minimise noise, dust, and other potential impacts. All works will comply with environmental regulations and best practice guidance, ensuring that the ecological sensitivity of the site and the adjacent SSSI is respected throughout the build.

Building works are scheduled to start in 2026 subject to planning approval & conditions, with careful planning to minimise disruption to the local community. We anticipate that the pub will be fully renovated and the extension completed in time for a spring 2027 opening. This timeline allows for high-quality construction, landscaping, and commissioning, ensuring that the pub and its facilities are ready to welcome residents and visitors safely and comfortably.