Renovations to the historic building in Market Square will preserve its heritage while bringing new life to the city centre

The former Post Office in Wells, a Grade II listed building in the heart of the city, is set to be transformed into a restaurant after plans for alterations were approved. The building, located in Market Square, will undergo changes designed to make the space suitable for a restaurant while preserving its historic character.

The approved plans focus on internal renovations, including creating new wall openings and installing new floors. Some stone panels on the west-facing windows will also be restored. The building, which sits within a Conservation Area, holds historical significance due to its role in Wells's commercial history.

An earlier application, submitted in 2024, was refused due to concerns about the impact on the building's character and the Wells Conservation Area. Specifically, issues were raised about a proposed vertical discharge outlet and window changes. The new application addresses these concerns, including modifying the discharge outlet and lowering the sills of existing windows to align with the building's historical form.

A heritage statement accompanying the application concluded that the changes would cause no harm to the building or its surroundings. It highlighted that the plans would enhance the setting of nearby heritage sites, such as Cathedral Green.

A spokesperson for the project said: "The internal alterations will remove some of the more utilitarian features from when it was used as a post office, creating a light and welcoming atmosphere for the new restaurant. We are excited to see this historic building given a new purpose while respecting its heritage."

A Bradford-on-Avon planning agent submitted the application and has the name 'Ravello' drawn on the submitted plans for the exterior of the building.

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Ravello appears to be a Bradford-on-Avon restaurant that offers Italian dining, although the owners have yet to confirm that they are behind the application.