Proposed alterations to a Stourbridge landmark building could do ‘irreparable damage’ if Dudley Council planners give their approval, it has been claimed.

The authority is currently considering an application for changes to the Talbot Hotel on High Street which would see extension to the rear of the building and internal work including the creation of ten new bedrooms and a laundry room. 

The Grade II listed building dates back to the 1600s and the application has attracted strong criticism from objectors including the town’s MP. 

Helen Cartwright said: “I have lived in Stourbridge all my life and the Talbot Hotel is a listed building.

“The proposals to extend the hotel will cause irreparable damage to a listed building which is part of the heritage of the town.” 

Proposals from Birmingham-based AP Architects include subdivision of the conference room and alterations to the reception area. The sale of the hotel was announced in November 2024 by estate agents Colliers to an unnamed buyer they described as an ‘experienced hospitality operator based in Birmingham’. 

The hotel was described as ‘featuring 57 en-suite rooms that were recently refurbished, boasts a restaurant with rustic charm as well as a large ballroom ideal for hosting events’. 

In her objection to the plan, Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles said: “I am extremely concerned at this attempt to bypass the listed status in order to carve up the “conference room”, known locally as the ballroom.

“The whole building has many interesting and historically valuable features, including the faux Jacobean ceiling in the ballroom and the Mason’s stained glass window, and much more. 

“I do not believe it is in the best interest of our town to allow this plan to proceed.” 

AP Architects claim their designs are in-keeping with the existing building and would not detract from its heritage assets. In a statement supporting the plan, they added: “Internal alterations to the conference room involve limited changes to existing features. 

“Despite the current timber panelling not being original, it is preserved and retained as a feature in the proposed bedrooms.”