Redevelopment of hotel to create 19-bedroom HMO

The redevelopment of a derelict hotel will see a 19-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO) created alongside dozens of flats.

North Somerset Council had previously approved plans for 28 flats to be created at the long vacant Grand Central Hotel in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset.

Councillors have now agreed that an extension at the rear of the building can be turned into a HMO with 19 bedrooms.

The council's planning officers had recommended the HMO for refusal, saying its location off of York Street, a narrow alleyway, would create "an unpleasant and oppressive place to live". However, councillors on the planning committee approved the scheme.

Speaking at the planning committee's meeting on Wednesday, its chairman Robert Payne said: "I do absolutely recognise and share the concerns about York Street having housing off of it.

"But for me, the benefits of wider regeneration of the building and of the area, I think, are more than enough to make that compromise."

Despite sitting in one of the town's most prominent locations, opposite the Grand Pier, the hotel closed decades ago and its upper floors have sat empty ever since.

While planning officers were satisfied with the layout and features of the HMO, they were concerned about its location and a lack of light and views from the bedrooms.

Councillor Mike Solomon said: "All this is very subjective. I think about my living conditions living in basement flats with no views at all but happy to have a nice home to live in that was warm."

Councillors voted six to five to grant planning permission for the HMO, having already unanimously approved the plans for flats on the site in March.

A spokesperson for developer Taelon said: "We are looking forward to building it, we are looking forward to adding to Weston, and we are looking forward to replenishing a long vacant landmark."

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