New café hoping to recall French links (From Evesham Journal)

New café hoping to recall French links

2:10pm Thursday 31st January 2013 in News

EVESHAM’S connection with French royalty could be highlighted to a new generation after plans were submitted for a town centre restaurant and café.

Applicant Kasim Ayub has applied to Wychavon District Council to convert the former Threshers store at 44 High Street.

Mr Ayub intends to convert the ground floor of the Grade II listed building and rename it Orleans Restaurant to “highlight the significance to the town of the Duke d’Orleans residence at Wood Norton Hall” in the early 19th century.

In the design and access statement, the applicant said: “The conversion of this building, which has remained empty for some years, will serve to improve and enhance the town centre.

“There is no impact on the town conservation area/listed building, neighbouring properties or surface water drainage.”

To view the plans, visit wychavon.gov.uk and follow the links to planning.

The Duke d’Orleans inherited Wood Norton Hall in 1897 and carried out many alterations.

The link connecting Evesham with the exiled Royal House of France was severed in 1912, when the Duke disposed of his Wood Norton and Bishampton estates and it came under the ownership of Sir Charles Swinfen Eady, a judge of the Chancery court.