Plans for boutique hotel in Bamburgh in line for approval despite concerns about parking in popular Northumberland village
Plans to create a luxury boutique hotel in Bamburgh could be poised for the green light.
Local hotelier Richard Shell, founder of The Doxford Group, wants to redevelop The Greenhouse on Front Street.
He is proposing extensions to the rear of the property, currently a two-unit holiday let, which would enable the creation of six en-suite guest bedrooms on the first floor, along with a 21-table restaurant and kitchen on the ground floor.
It is a scaled back version of an earlier application which was deemed an ‘over-development’ by Northumberland County Council’s conservation officer.
A planning application seeking permission for the change of use and extension of the premises is being recommended for approval at the north planning committee on January 22.
However, objections have been submitted by Bamburgh Parish Council which believes that approval would ‘put yet more pressure on parking provision in the village’.
The nearby Victoria Hotel has also raised concerns about the applicant’s plan for servicing the property and the planned provision of three parking spaces. A local resident has also voiced concerns.
Planning officer Stephanie Forster, in a report to councillors, states: “The plans will result in a significant extension to the existing building but it is considered that this is seen as a compromise from what was proposed previously.
"The proposed development is considered to result in an acceptable and well-designed addition to the building which will be appropriate to its setting in terms of scale and appearance.”
On parking, she adds: “The NCC Highways Officer has considered the proposal and is happy with the parking management plan and mitigation put forward by the applicant to ensure that any traffic problems which may be created by the proposals will be managed.”
These measures include car sharing and a bus to work scheme for staff, notifying customers of the lack of on street parking and sign posting them to nearby alternatives in advance of their arrival.
It is envisaged the development could create nine full-time jobs.
A report on the applicant’s behalf states: “Additional space is required to make the building financially viable as a boutique small hotel.”
It adds: “The reduction from the original planning application will reduce room revenue, but we believe the viability of the project to work for the business with six good sized rooms.”