Parts of 'dated' Telford pub to be demolished ahead of new Hickory's restaurant
Hickory's Smokehouse are set to open a new restaurant in a Telford pub later this year - after making some alterations to the building.
Earlier this year, Hickory's confirmed they would be taking over The Priorslee pub in Telford to open their 15th restaurant.
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The company said the town has "been on their radar for some time" and were "delighted" to be opening their first restaurant in the town, the second in Shropshire.
At the time, they said they would be investing significantly in the venue overlooking Hangman's Pool, and creating as many as 100 jobs.
Now, Telford & Wrekin Council have approved the company's plans to undertake several internal and external alterations to make the "relatively dated" pub "more functional for the Hickory's brand".
External alterations include the demolition of the existing main entrance and single-storey conservatory, located at the front of the building.
A part single-storey, part two-storey extension would then be constructed onto the front and side of the building to create a cellar, extended bar area, store and extra table space.
A spokesperson for Hickory's said the redesigned entrance would allow for one entrance in and out to be "constantly manned by staff" which will give "customers and their families confidence in the security of the venue".
They continued: "In terms of design, the proposal will provide an improvement on the relatively dated character of the existing building."
During the planning process, Telford & Wrekin Council planning officers questioned whether false dormers could be added to the roof slope - noting "a large expanse of uninterrupted tile" was proposed.
But the amendment was "not considered to be in keeping with the Hickory's branding" and was not incorporated. Nevertheless, planning officers said the design would result in a "significant improvement to the visual landscape".
Approving the plans, planning officers said the extensions were "of adequate size" and "would not result in over-dominant additions to the building".
The full plans are available to view online, using Telford & Wrekin's planning portal and reference number: TWC/2025/0219
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