Mid Buckinghamshire MP calls for action as historic hotel remains burnt-out five years after blaze
A historic Buckinghamshire hotel remains a burnt-out shell almost five years after it was devastated by a fire, prompting renewed calls for action to secure its future.
The Kings Hotel in Stokenchurch has stood vacant and badly damaged since a blaze ripped through the 16th-century former coaching inn on October 8, 2021.
Greg Smith MP said the village had “waited long enough” and called for action to restore the prominent Oxford Road building and bring it back into use.
He said: “The Kings Arms is far more than just a building. It has been at the heart of Stokenchurch for centuries and seeing it remain fire-damaged and vacant for almost five years has been deeply disappointing for everyone who lives in the village.
“The message I hear time and again from residents is one of frustration. It occupies one of the most prominent sites in the centre of the village and in its current condition, has become a constant reminder of what has been lost. It affects the appearance of the village, but more than that, it has left a real gap in the heart of the community.”
Mr Smith said much of the delay had been caused by an ongoing legal and insurance dispute between the hotel’s owners and their insurers, which had prevented meaningful progress.
He added: “My view has always been that every effort should be made to preserve and restore what remains of this historic building. The Kings Arms is part of Stokenchurch’s heritage and I would like to see that respected wherever possible.
“Equally, the village deserves to see this prominent site brought back into use rather than remaining a burnt-out shell.”
Mr Smith said he had remained in contact with residents, Stokenchurch Parish Council and Buckinghamshire Council since being elected in 2024. He said he hoped the hotel would eventually be restored, occupied and once again become a focal point for village life.
“Now is the time to do whatever it takes to get this done,” he added. “No more talking about it, more doing it.”
Ridgeway West councillors Robert Carington and Shade Adoh said the fire had damaged an “iconic building” at the heart of Stokenchurch. They said: “We know residents are frustrated to see the fire-damaged building every day and the constant reminder of the loss of this important part of village life.
“Unfortunately, the main cause of delay is due to the ongoing legal and insurance dispute between the owners and their insurers, which has meant nothing can proceed until resolved.”
The councillors said they had worked with residents, the parish council, Mr Smith and council officers to ensure the community’s concerns were heard. They said they had also encouraged officers to inspect the site regularly amid residents’ concerns about its safety.
They added: “We continue to work with the community to try all avenues to make certain the building remains safe and when the legal case is finally resolved the community is in a position to help assist in the important work of bringing the hotel back to its former glory.”