Holiday News | "Apartments plan for sea front hotel rejected"

By: Press Release
Source: http://www.clactonandfrintongazette.co.uk
Category: Holiday News

PLANS to convert rooms at a vacant hotel in Clacton into self-catering holiday apartments have been turned down.The owners of the Parade Hotel, in Marine Parade East, have applied to convert 14 of the building’s 22 bedrooms into eight apartments. 

A report said the property has been “neglected and abused and requires extensive renovation”.Agent Brian White, in a design statement, said: “The hotel has not been operational for a few years due to its poor condition brought about by a move away from this type of holiday accommodation within the district and lack of investment, resulting in a low standard of facilities. 

“The cost of providing a catering service is prohibitive to the business, so the owner is removing this service, but providing rooms with tables and microwave ovens so that take-away food services can be used within rooms.”The plans were aimed at attracting families and groups and would also have seen improvements to common areas and facilities, along with disabled access and accommodation. 

The plans have been refused by Tendring Council planning officers by delegated decision.Planning officers said the hotel sits in a sea front location that is ideal for tourist accommodation and is protected by local planning policies, which seek to protect existing hotels and guest houses in the resort. 

A report said: “The conversion of a hotel with 22 bedrooms to a building with eight hotel bedrooms and nine apartments represents a significant loss in hotel rooms.”It added that the remaining hotel rooms, without restaurant facilities, maid service or reception, would not be suitable for tourism use. 

Source: http://www.clactonandfrintongazette.co.uk/news/9670090.Apartments_plan_for_sea_front_hotel_rejected/