Seven self-catering units deemed unviable

Thursday 13 October 2022

A hotel is asking for permission to change the use of seven self-catering apartments to residential properties to release essential funds to sustain its existing tourism offering.

The concerned building, Margaret House, located to the south of the La Collinette Hotel site, currently comprises a top-floor managers flat and six self-catering units.

The Development & Planning Service have been asked to consider whether to change the use of the building from Visitor Economy Use Class 8 to Residential Use Class 2. 

The application states that approval is being sought to ensure the main hotel, and its self-catering cottages, can be sustainably operated into the future. 

The continued use of Margaret House as visitor accommodation is not deemed financially viable for the hotel given refurbishment and upkeep costs. 

The application claims it is not believed the loss of seven units will be detrimental to the tourist industry or the character of the site. 

The 22 bedrooms and another seven self-catering cottages which are already part of the hotel estate would not be affected by the application. Rather, the site's total accommodation for visitors would be reduced by seven units. 

Pictured: The building which the applicants hope to release into the local property market.

Margaret House opened in 1996. The only changes proposed to the building’s exterior is new opaque glazing and planters. Improved demarcation of existing parking spaces, boundary features, landscaping, and the installation of electric car charging points.

Each housing unit would have one car parking space, with three disabled-compliant guest spaces. A new bicycle storage area is also proposed. The internal layout of the building will also remain the same under the proposals. 

You can view the application FULL/2022/1669 HERE.