Alnmouth hotel expansion plans get the green light

HF Holidays, which has operated Nether Grange on Marine Road for more than 70 years, is also planning alterations to allow level access to the hotel.

Planning consultant Richard Sullivan, in a report on behalf of the applicants, explained: ‘The proposed orangery extension is required in order to meet the demands of the business and the expectations of guests to give a high quality visitor experience.

‘While a building such as Nether Grange provides challenges to make it accessible for all users, level access from the public pavement to common areas and at least two bedrooms will be a massive improvement in making Nether Grange more accessible and inclusive.’

The scheme was supported by Alnmouth Parish Council, while the building conservation officer noted the ‘considerable efforts’ made by the applicant to reduce the level of harm identified in a previous application.

There were no objections.

Planning officer Malcolm Thompson stated: ‘The proposed extension, by virtue of its size and function will not be out of character within the host property or indeed the area generally which currently has commercial units operating adjacent to this site.

‘It is therefore regarded that the additional level of activity generated by the extension will not significantly increase the levels of vehicle or pedestrian traffic, or give rise to any disturbance in the neighbourhood.’

Nether Grange is the largest provider of tourism accommodation in the village and employs 17 people.