The owners of The Wainstones Hotel in Great Broughton, near Stokesley, say they are aiming “to create a first-class destination venue with clear emphasis on showcasing great local produce and providing additional services” near to the Coast to Coast walk, following the loss of shops and other services to nearby villages. The proposals include an extension to the property to reintroduce a village tea-room with 40 covers, which also sells local produce, remodelling the reception building, increasing outdoor seating, introducing of accessible parking spaces and eight electric vehicle charging points across the site. Planning documents lodged with North Yorkshire Council state “significant investment” would be required “to bring the Wainstones Hotel back to its best”.
The application states: “The aim of the refurbishment and addition of The Stones Café is to facilitate a welcoming community focal point not only serving the local community but also substantial levels of passing trade from walkers and cyclists. “The vision for The Stones is to create a community hub at the heart of the village, attractive to all age ranges.” The papers highlight how the 24-bedroom business is close to the Cleveland Way and popular with hikers, so the aim is to start the café extension next month and complete the build by the end of the year.
The 300-year-old building is a former slaughterhouse which later became a hotel, while the Coast to Coast, the most popular long distance.