Plans have emerged to convert a restored 16th-century barn into an “elegant yet intimate” wedding and events venue amid growing concerns for the industry.

It is hoped up to 26 small-scale celebrations will be held each year at Grade II-listed Chequer Court in Ash, between Canterbury and Sandwich.

No construction work is planned at the site, but an application for a change of use has been submitted to Dover District Council from applicant Thomas Farling.

Ceremonies and receptions are proposed to be held in the barn, while drinks and photographs will be taken in the adjoining formal garden and will be managed in partnership with Boutique Weddings Kent.

The application comes at a time when other venues are struggling to stay afloat, with five venues closing in Kent in the last two years.

Matt Sworder, chef and owner of The Corner House in Canterbury, who will provide the catering, welcomed the challenge of the current struggles in the hospitality industry.

He said: “I think it's essential you're clearly defining your offer and compete on quality and that's really what I hope that we're able to deliver.

“It’s great to be able to expand the offer, and we have a lot of guests that want to use the restaurant, but we don’t have enough space, so this is a really exciting opportunity.

“New projects always present challenges, but I feel that with a really clear offer, we’re about to do something quite special.

“It’s great to have a location as beautiful as the barn to deliver our food. We’re all about doing simple food really well and working in unison with the restaurant to create a really special experience for the bride and groom.”

In documents submitted by the applicant on DDC’s planning portal, it is stated that the approval of the change of use will aid in preserving and maintaining the site to a high standard.

It adds: “The barn, which has been sympathetically restored, will provide an elegant, yet intimate setting for small-scale celebrations.

“The venue will offer couples a charming and exclusive location for their special day.

“Our focus is to create a high-quality experience for couples who appreciate exceptional local food and drink.

“The weddings hosted at the barn will create further opportunities for local independent wedding supplies, while guests attending celebrations will contribute to the local economy through accommodation bookings and exploring nearby towns and coastal areas.

“As a dedicated boutique space, our focus is on delivering a warm, personal, and refined experience. We are not a party venue.”

It is currently unknown how many staff will be employed, but documents add bar staff, front-of-house management, and grounds maintenance workers will be required at the venue.

To minimise disruption, it is proposed that only 48 guests will be accommodated and no amplified music will be played, with all events set to end by 11pm and guests required to leave by 11.30pm.

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Last month, the Little Silver Country Hotel in St Michaels, Tenterden, and St Augustine’s in Westgate-on-Sea went into administration due to ongoing financial difficulties.

Award-winning The Pretty Prep Studios, which offers bridal parties a place to prepare before the big day, also announced its closure amid “crippling” financial pressures.

Its three sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Tonbridge will close this year.

In 2023 two Kent hotels and events venues also closed their doors.

The Blue Pigeons in Worth near Deal announced they were “ceasing operations” immediately (although it later reopened under new owners), while the Hadlow Manor Hotel in Tonbridge also closed.

Dozens of couples were also left heartbroken after weddings were cancelled at Lympne Castle, until the site was purchased by multi-millionaire Dr Ann Kaplan Mulholland who snapped up the historic site for £5.5 million in February 2023.