Planning application filed for Bungay Kings Head Hotel

But after being boarded up for more than a decade, The Kings Head in Bungay could be set for a new lease of life. 

A planning application has been filed by Paul Thornton, managing director of Beccles-based VC Cooke, to transform the grand building into 11 hotel apartment suites, with three homes to its rear. 

The former coaching inn has 13 en-suite bedrooms and two large function rooms.

The Odd Fellows Hall at the back of The Kings Head Hotel will be divided into three homes if plans are given the green light.

READ MORE: Brazen 'dash-and-diner' on £1k hotel spree even 'bought' rounds for locals

LEFT IS THE KINGS HEAD PICTURED IN JUNE 1986, RIGHT IS KINGS HEAD PICTURED DECEMBER 2023:

The building has been closed since 2012, the same year former owners Tim and Jules Anderson took part in TV show Four in a Bed.

The historic former coaching inn dates from the 16th Century but like other prominent buildings in the centre of Bungay it was destroyed in the town’s great fire of March 1688.

Exterior shot of the Kings Head Hotel taken in December 2023 (Image: Bruno Brown)

In February 2016 it was announced that the building had been bought by the Bungay Castle Trust and was going to be turned into a museum and heritage centre.

Plans for the site were underway as the Kings Head was acquired for the town through a £500,000 legacy from the late Bungay resident Harry Smith.

Three Tuns Hotel and The Kings Head in the 1960's. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

Bungay King's Head, picture dated June 1986 (Image: Archant Library)

In March 2019, the results of a public consultation showed local support for a hotelier to refurbish the property, as well as for a new museum in the former Oddfellows Hall and Jester's Cafe.

READ MORE: Refurbishment hope for historic hotel after sale confirmed

The survey was held by the Bungay, Bigod and Beyond - a collaboration of the castle and museum trusts.

As a result of the information gathered at the public consultation, in February 2020 the hotel was sold to Mr Thornton.

A room inside the former Kings Head Hotel taken in 2016 by James Bass - the building also has two function rooms (Image: James Bass)

The Odd Fellows Hall to the rear of the Kings Head Hotel which could be turned into three homes - taken by James Bass in 2016 (Image: James Bass)A spokesman had told this paper last December they had exciting plans to restore the building to its "former glory".

READ MORE: What's happening with Bungay's King's Head Hotel?

Now 12 months later the new plans are with East Suffolk Council, but a decision is yet to be made.  

To make a public comment on the plans search reference number DC/23/3267/LBC in East Suffolk Council's planning portal.

What are your thoughts on the situation at The Kings Head? Let us know, email: bruno.brown@newsquest.co.uk

The Kings Head Hotel taken in 2009 by Nick Butcher (Image: Nick Butcher)

The Kings Head Hotel in Bungay taken in December 2023 (Image: Bruno Brown)