Defence Online

Plans have been submitted for a new wedding venue in the grounds of a grade II*-listed country house which is being redeveloped as a luxury hotel.Grantley Hall, which lies five miles west of Ripon, was purchased last year by Grantley Hall Ltd, a business established by Valeria Sykes, and a £25m luxury hotel and spa redevelopment is now underway.An application for a second phase of development has now been lodged which details the creation of a space built alongside the Japanese Garden, which sits to the north of the main property.If approved, the new venue will create a function space for weddings, corporate events and larger parties, as well as an independent restaurant, bar and private lounge.The first planning proposal, which detailed the renovation and refurbishment of the main house and outbuildings, as well the development of a new state of the art spa and fitness centre with further bedrooms, were met with unanimous support and full approval was granted in June. The hotel project involves an investment of £25m to create a 52-bedroom five-star hotel with three restaurants and a spa. It will create about 160 jobs, including 90 full-time roles.