BCP Council (Bournemouth area): Matt is pleased to share the news that he has recently secured planning permission for alterations, partial demolition and extension of existing Hotel building to form a 34 unit apart-hotel scheme with associated access and parking at the Durley Grange Hotel in the West Cliff Area of Bournemouth.
The proposal, which was designed by ARC Architecture for mutual client; Inspired Developments will retain the existing single storey elements of the subject building and redevelop the remaining parts to create a three and half storey building with rooms in the loftspace including front extension of the southern part of the block.
The site is located within West Cliff and Poole Hill Conservation Area and the application building has been identified as a neutral building that neither enhances nor detracts from the character or appearance of the Conservation Area. Despite this and very predictably for BCP Council, the Heritage officer
objected to the proposed development on excessive height, scale, and massing, along with the proposed front extension that has been considered to result in an overly dominant and inappropriately designed development, contributing less-than-substantial harm to the conservation area and setting of the nearby designated and non-designated heritage assets.
Thankfully both the planning officer and urban design officer considered that the proposed architectural treatment would be an improvement on the existing appearance. The front section of the building would be replaced and the proposed canted bays and roof with gables would be more sympathetic to the street scene. The proposed front elevation benefits from symmetry, vertical articulation and a more harmonious arrangement of windows as well as balconies animating the street scene. The planning officer also noted that the scheme would result in a development that will reflect the design and height of the recently approved apartment building next door which is currently under construction.
The proposal resulted in loss of 52 hotel bedrooms. However, the approved use in the form of serviced apartments was considered an alternative tourist accommodation, as recommended by Section 8 of the Tourist Accommodation SPD. Paragraph 8.1 of the SPD states that “Proposals for self-catering or serviced holiday flats will be considered an acceptable alternative or supplement to traditional hotel type accommodation”.
The scheme was approved in just over 4 months which we feel is reasonable for a major scheme of this nature, so perhaps there are signs that BCP’s capacity issues and the previously experienced extensive delays are slowing improving.
If you are considering embarking on a major redevelopment of a town centre site, then why not call Pure Town Planning – a well established firm with a proven track record of delivering planning approvals on 01202 585524 or email info@puretownplanning.co.uk to see how we can help you.