The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
It was previously where people were sent to jail, but you could soon get married at the former Spalding Magistrates’ Court.
A change of use planning application has been submitted to turn the courtroom and an adjacent room at the landmark Sheep Market building into a venue which would be aimed at hosting civil marriages and partnerships.
The Grade Two listed building now known as The Sessions House which dates back to 1843 is now a domestic dwelling having heard its final case in January 2014.
The court room as it was when sold to a private owner.
In its description of the proposal on the application form, owner Oliver Sneath states: “We are applying for change of use of a part of our residence – the former courtroom and adjacent room – to D2 classification (assembly and leisure).
“Included in this proposal is also a restroom.
“This is with the intention of applying for the premises to be approved as a venue for civil marriages and partnerships.
“Due to the historical significance of the building and incredible architecture of the place, we would like to make the former court room available to the public as a venue.
“Our research and feedback suggest that Spalding is lacking a venue of similar grandeur and it would benefit the local community.”
The change of use application to a residential property was officially ratified in 2016. An application for the removal of the dock in the court room was granted earlier this year.
If the current change of use application is granted by South Holland District Council, The Sessions House owners would still need to get further permission including to apply to be allowed to officially hold civil marriages and partnerships as well as potentially look to gain licensing permission.
