The Node, Codicote

A FORMER wedding venue and conference centre famed for its beauty looks likely to become a housing development.

And, as well as building on the land and digging up the roads which run through the grounds, the main building could be altered and turned into flats.

The Node in Codicote closed suddenly last year.

Its owners, Chartridge, which also runs the Hitchin Priory, said the facility was no longer viable financially.

Three planning applications have just been submitted to North Herts District Council by Wilson Properties (London).

The Potters Bar-based construction company bought the main building, the outbuildings and the 22 acres of surrounding land last year.

All of the applications relate to developing the grounds and building for housing.

The first of those applications requests to convert the main house into seven apartments, convert the former stable block into three mews houses and construct three detached houses, with garages.

That application also contains requests to demolish the modern extensions of the main house, bedroom block, training centre and other outbuildings, and also to remove parking and roads within the boundaries of the site.

There is also a listed building consent application to restore the Grade II-listed Peach House and build property next to it.

A council spokesman said a decision would be made by its planning committee.

Although a date has not yet been set, it is thought it could be on the agenda at the committee’s August meeting.

The spokesman added: “The application will go to planning committee because it is for a residential development, with the area in question greater than half a hectare.”