Batchwood Hall is set for a new lease of life, after plans to turn the former nightclub into a hotel, bar, restaurant and wedding venue were approved.

At a meeting of St Albans City and District Council's development management committee on Monday (September 2), the proposal's for the St Albans manor house were unanimously approved.

Among those to vote in favour was Cllr Chris Brazier, who said during the meeting: "I’d like to see the building used, and this is an application that can use the building, which is suitable as a wedding venue and a hotel.

"I find that saves the building from just being neglected, because the nightclub, as you know, has been closed for some time and the building is looking very tired."

The historic property is owned by St Albans City and District Council and was used as a nightclub for many years, before closing in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It then fell dormant after being used as a vaccination centre, but in November 2023, SADC announced it had signed a long-term lease with hospitality firm The Oakman Group for its redevelopment, promising to give the building "a new lease of life".

Plans for a change of use were formally submitted in April, and will see the 1800s house become a 16-bedroom hotel, restaurant, bar and wedding venue, after internal and external refurbishments.

Resident had raised concerns about the plans before the vote on Monday, which took place due to the major significance of the development and the properties status as a council-owned building.