PLANS to put a new kitchen inside one of Powderham Castle’s historic rooms need further scrutiny, Historic England has said.

The heritage body has raised concerns over the proposed installation in the castle’s private dining room, also known as the small dining room, saying there is currently not enough information to understand the potential impact of the work.

The application has been submitted by the Powderham Estate to Teignbridge Council for Listed Building Consent.

The council are expected to make a decision by October 13.

Historic England said the proposals could cause harm to the dining room’s ‘spatial and decorative qualities’ and to the historic fabric of the building.

It has advised the council to seek further information from the estate about why a new kitchen is needed in the room and whether alternative options or locations have been considered.

A detailed assessment of the significance of the dining room and the impact of installing a kitchen in the proposed location has also been requested.

Historic England says a heritage impact assessment should be carried out before the application can be properly considered.

This should look at the significance of the room, the justification for locating a kitchen there and the potential impact of the proposed works, as well as how any harm could be avoided or minimised.

The organisation has said that, depending on the findings of those assessments, the proposals may need to be amended.

The application proposes fitting the kitchen within the existing room, with no extension to the castle and no external alterations.

The proposed design includes painted Shaker-style cabinetry in a heritage colour, natural stone worktops and solid brass fittings.

According to the application, the materials have been selected to complement the existing historic interior.

The plans say the layout has been designed to make efficient use of the existing space, while retaining its proportions and architectural features.

Existing walls and ceilings would remain untouched, while plumbing and electrical services would be routed discreetly wherever possible.

The Powderham Estate says the kitchen would provide a functional domestic facility while respecting the architectural and historic significance of the castle.

It would also replace a previous domestic kitchen located in the pantry.

To view the application in full, visit Teignbridge Council’s planning portal and enter ‘26/01220/LBC’ into the search-box.