Plans to convert one of Berkshire’s top restaurants back to residential use have opened for consultation.
A planning application on behalf of the owner of L’Ortolan in Shinfield was submitted to Wokingham Borough Council in December 2023, seeking a change of use for the Grade II listed property back to residential.
Documents supporting the application said: “The setting for the property has substantially changed due to the expansion of Shinfield, and has lessened its suitability as a rural high-end restaurant since it is now overlooked by high density housing.
“The conversion into a single residential dwelling is more likely to result in high quality investment into the historic fabric, and therefore is a logical proposal for consideration.”
“The site was once within a rural setting, however the village of Shinfield has been subject to substantial housing growth over recent years and the site is now surrounded on three sides by two-storey residential housing.”
The property was built in the 1840s as the vicarage for the nearby St Mary’s Church. It has been a restaurant since 1978.
Currently focusing on modern French fine dining, the restaurant held a coveted Michelin Star from 2001 until 2022. It currently boasts three AA rosettes.
In December 2023, owner Peter Newman told Wokingham Today: “We have no plans to cease trading”.
L’Ortolan remains for sale for offers in the region of £1.25 million.
The consultation period ends on February 19, 2024.
