A Grade II-listed village pub run by Paul Hollywood’s wife could be closed and turned into a house. The Chequers Inn in Smarden, near Ashford, has been owned and run by the Spalding family for many years – including long-serving landlady Melissa who married the celebrity baker in September. But the historic site in The Street – which dates back to the 16th century – could now be converted into a “single dwelling” home after a planning application was submitted to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) last week. The public house was listed on Rightmove for £999,995 in April last year – with Pirates of …
