The National Planning Inspectorate has announced its decision in a second appeal against the City of Lincoln Planning Authority’s decision to refuse Planning Permission & Listed Building Consent for a new Roof Terrace, overlooking Lincoln Cathedral at the White Hart Hotel in Bailgate, Lincoln.

Submitted last May, and refused in October last year, the scheme was part of an ongoing programme of investment to upgrade the historic hotel to provide an enhanced visitor experience and make the most of its unique features and location in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter of Lincoln.

In response to the decision, local businessman and owner of the White Hart Hotel, Andrew Long, who grew up in Lincolnshire and has strong links with the city, said:

“We are very disappointed by this decision, which we believe would have transformed an underused part of the building with the addition of a roof terrace offering guests and visitors exceptional views of the West Front of Lincoln Cathedral and the Castle, as well as the unique roof scape of Steep Hill and beyond.

We believe this addition would have created a unique experience for our both locals and visitors and would have provided an economic and social boost to the city centre. It is particularly disappointing given the proposals were supported by a number of Local Councillors and major stakeholders across the city including Lincoln Cathedral, Investors in Lincoln, Lincoln BIG, University of Lincoln and Lincoln College.

Since acquiring the hotel in July 2022 and its temporary closure in 2023, we have invested significantly in the careful and sympathetic restoration of this iconic historic building, bringing it back to life and strengthening its role at the heart of the local community and economy.

To date, the multi-million pound investment has already delivered substantial positive impact, including the restoration of Leigh Pemberton House and the opening of the highly regarded Antlers Restaurant. The restaurant has been independently voted ‘Best Restaurant’ in Lincolnshire for two consecutive years by readers of Lincolnshire Pride Magazine, and has been awarded two AA Rosettes. The hotel itself has also been recognised with an upgrade to 4 Silver Stars by the AA.

The hotel now features 51 fully refurbished bedrooms, the highly commended Colonnade Cocktail Lounge, the Gibson Club Bar, two spa treatment rooms, the historic Bailgate Room, and the renowned Tank Room. In addition, the high-quality King Richard and Royal Courtyard function suites continue to host weddings, private celebrations, and a wide range of corporate and charity events.

Further investment is already underway, with planning permission and listed building consent secured for an 11-metre vitality pool, gym, and sauna facilities. The construction of this began in October 2025 and remains on track for completion in December 2026, with the new Aquitaine Pool & Leisure Club set to open in January 2027. Along with our existing spa treatment rooms, which are already proving extremely popular, we wish to improve our choice of facilities and overall offering to both local residents and hotel guests.

We remain committed to enhancing the hotel and its contribution to the city. We will now explore alternative options for the fourth-floor space, adjacent to the existing balcony to ensure continued access which offers truly unique and spectacular views of the Cathedral. We are considering revised proposals that continue to showcase this remarkable building while serving the needs of the local community.

The White Hart Hotel is part of the expanding Loxley Collection hotel portfolio, which includes North Yorkshire coastal gem, Hotel Victoria in Robin Hood’s Bay and the Polurrian on the Lizard in Cornwall.