Agenda item

The Royal Hotel Station Road Ashby De La Zouch 

The Princpal Planning Officer presented the report to Members.

Mrs M Tuckey, representing the Town Council, addressed the meeting. She advised Members that the Town Council objected to the plans and they felt that the kiosk building was unacceptable. She stated that the layout covered a larger area and the design was not in keeping with the area. She added that the changes could be made with stone cladding and that the hotel did need refurbishment.

Ms A Ingram, objector, addressed the meeting. She advised Members that she had worked hard with officers to ensure that even the design of her patio was in keeping with the area. She felt that the plan was poorly considered and the design was unsuitable for the area. She informed Members that the proposed building would overshadow neighbouring properties and would allow strangers to watch and see into neighbours’ gardens. She stated that it was not the solution for the hotel and 600 people had objected. She urged Members to decline the applications to find better solutions.

Ms C Birch, objector addressed the meeting. She advised Members that whilst residents welcomed improvements to the hotel there were concerns over the pavilion. She informed Members that there had been limited engagement from the developer and that the plans produced predated those that had been provided at the one consultation event. She stated that the design, size and material did not harmonise with and would have a detrimental impact on the area. She felt that other designs could be found and that the new building would encroach on the pedestrian area. She urged Members to reject the application with overwhelming support and added that the applications were not the solution.

At the request of the Chairman, the clerk for Ashby Town Council confirmed that the application did not encroach on the land leased to the Town Council.

Ms C Cook, agent, addressed the meeting. She asked the Committee to support the applications and informed them that the applicant had worked very closely with officers to produce a high quality application. She stated that major investment was required to aid the long term future as the hotel was likely to close and this would bring with it a loss of jobs. She stated that they had ensured that the design enhancements complemented the old and that they would ensure the level of noise would not cause any issues. She added that the report was sound and contributions would be made towards the River Mease and transport.

Councillor J Hoult stated that he had known the hotel for 60 years and he had watched it fall apart. He added that the application should be permitted for the sake of the town and it was time to move on. He moved the officer’s recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor A Bridges.

Councillor G Jones stated that he would like to see the hotel a success and that it would give people hope. His main concern was the footprint and height of the new pavilion building compared to what had been there previously.

The Principal Planning Officer advised that the footprint was of a similar size to the previous however she couldn’t comment on the height, but the new building would be between 8 – 9 meters.

Councillor G Jones added that the new building could cut the cost of heating due to all the glazing that it would have.  He added that the hotel needed to move on and he was leaning towards supporting the application.

Councillor J G Coxon stated that he had called the applications in as he was concerned about the hotel and the public interest. He understood that there had been a misunderstanding over the size and location, but he was clear where they were. He felt that this was the only option there was for the hotel and that if the application was not permitted it would mean both the hotel and jobs would be lost.

Councillor D Everitt stated that he supported the application.

Councillor R Johnson stated that if the applicant had consulted more with the residents he would be in favour of the application. He felt that the proposed building looked like a cruise ship and stated that he would not be supporting the application.

Councillor D J Stevenson stated that the type of cladding to be used was to be considered as a condition and that beauty was in the eye of the beholder. He reminded Members that English Heritage had not objected to the application.

RESOLVED THAT:

The application be permitted in accordance with the recommendation of the Director of Services.