Local objectors meeting results in support –Walsingham Planning overcome policy and local trade objections to secure controversial approval

Acting on behalf of Whitbread Group Plc, Walsingham Planning advised that it should be possible to secure planning permission for a new build hotel on vacant land to the rear of one of their restaurants even though the site had been the subject of previous unsuccessful attempts (by other agents) to secure changes to Local Plan policy.

Local Plan policy designated much of the area as open space and the remainder as being required for community development and public car parking. The site is also crossed by an informal pedestrian route.

The application gave rise to a huge amount of public interest with over 100 letters objecting and nearly 150 in support. Objections were raised on a range of issues including lack of need for additional hotel bedrooms and unfair competition with existing small hotels and B&B’s.

The application dealt with issues of ecology, hotel bedroom demand in the area, the nature of demand for the particular type of bedrooms, highways, a land deal to make over part of the site to the Council as public open space and formalise the pedestrian route as well as visual impact, and the policy issues regarding alternate uses.

Walsingham Planning appeared alongside the applicants at a public meeting, mainly attended by objectors from local competing businesses, but which had the effect of galvanising local supporters into action. As a result, local traders in support of the proposal also started to contact the Council and the balance of comments swung in favour of the proposal.

Officers recommended permission and the Committee supported this approach, granting permission.