The new owners of a Grade II listed hotel have revealed their plans to breathe new life into the business.

Plans have been submitted to Rother District Council for the refurbishment of Powdermills Hotel, Battle, and the completion of “overdue maintenance”.

Proposals would also see other work including the repositioning of the reception, adjustments to the hotel’s restaurant, bar and public areas and improvements to make the building more accessible for people with mobility issues.

Hotel bosses said the building, in Powdermill Lane, had been developed and extended over time in an “ad-hoc” and “piecemeal fashion” leading to an “inefficient” building.

The hotel building dates back to the 17th century, with the oldest part of the existing building constructed in 1796 following an explosion at the site, which was used as a gunpowder works.

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The building was converted from a country house to guest accommodation in 1983.

The new owners, Powdermills Prop Co UK Ltd, who bought the hotel this year, hope the investment will create a more sustainable business and improve guest experience while safeguarding the site’s heritage.

Planning documents said: “The applicant acquired Powdermills in 2024 and has set about an investment programme with the objective of sensitively improving and expanding the existing hotel accommodation and services. This application seeks to make modest additions and alterations to the historic fabric of the listed building, as well as to alter those parts of the building which are not of any / low architectural and historic significance.

“Despite its apparent success, the ongoing business and energy expenditure have taken their toll on the ability to invest in ongoing maintenance of the historic buildings and these are in places now starting to show their age as a result.”

The new owners also have ambitions to make the hotel “a more environmentally sustainable destination” and intend to move towards a “net zero” operation in the future.

They are investigating how a heat pump could be used at the hotel and have identified the hotel’s lake as potentially being an “excellent” source of energy.

Photovoltaic panels are also being considered, as well as increased insulation.