News
19th Jun 2008
Hotel Application Withdrawn
The plan by the Whitbread Group to build a hotel on the Victoria Business Park has been withdrawn. The planned Premier Inn and restaurant, which would, it seems, have been welcomed by the business community after overcoming some initial concerns about the suitability of the hotel, is now in limbo.
I spoke to someone at MSDC Planning yesterday afternoon who told me that the design of the new building was the reason for the withdrawal, which makes it clear that the hotel plan was not going to be accepted. All other aspects of the plan were acceptable, apparently.
The problem seems to lie in the fact that the design is somewhat old-fashioned, and would not fit happily alongside the Roche and CAE buildings, according to the planners. Another meeting is scheduled between MSDC and Whitbread in a couple of weeks, which may determine whether the plan will be revised and re-submitted.
Whilst the scheme is not completely dead, it may be that we shall have to wait longer for the conclusion as a result of setback.
