A plan for a late-night alcohol and music licence at a 300-year-old country house has been put forward.

The owners of Ombersley Court have submitted plans to play live and recorded music until 1am and sell alcohol until midnight at the grade I listed building off Holt Fleet Road in Ombersley near Droitwich.

Tim Hopkins, a businessman who bought the house in 2017 and also owns The Elms hotel in Abberley near Worcester and deli Checketts of Ombersley, opened the doors to the 18th-century building last summer – the first time it had been available to be seen by the public in three centuries.

Ombersley Court was bought in a multi-million-pound deal almost five years ago and plans for a huge restoration were then put forward in 2019.

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The vision to restore and transform the building into a tourist attraction were then split into four stages and put back to planners following discussions with Wychavon District Council and Historic England.

Conservation campaigners and charity Save Britain’s Heritage have been working to protect Ombersley Court since the restoration plans were first revealed.

Despite the plans being put forward in 2020, a decision on the restorative work has not yet been made by Wychavon District Council.

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The first of the four stages submitted to council planners would see the estate’s grade II-listed stable block and walled garden renovated so it can be opened up to the public.

The next three stages would see much-needed restorations to the estate’s main house, grounds and garage.

Plans showed a hope to include a museum and cafe and hold events throughout the year as part of the work to open the estate to the public as a tourist destination.

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Parts of the estate could also be hired out, the planning application suggested.

The estate was built in the 18th century for the 1st Lord Sandys and remained with the same family for almost 300 years. It was sold after the most recent Lord and Lady Sandys died without an heir.

Historic England said the house was a "heritage asset of the highest significance" and whilst welcomed the overall aims of the project wanted more details and safeguards put in place before it could officially endorse the plan.