Historic Chichester's Ship Hotel to expand

But because of the objection, the decision by the southern area development control committee to grant planning permission is 
subject to a formal referral to the secretary of state.

This is to assess whether the proposals should be ‘called in’ for consideration at Whitehall level.

The two-star Ship Hotel, in North Street, was built as a private home in 1780, and was occupied for a time by one of Nelson’s admirals. It has been a hotel for about 70 years.

The extension is to be built over the top of a car park, on two floors.

The hotel currently has 36 bedrooms, and the scheme will provide another 25.

Also planned are a single-storey conference facility and a new bar and kitchen.

Three three-bedroom townhouses are proposed as part of the project, in Priory Lane, replacing three homes which are to be demolished.

Two earlier schemes were withdrawn after strong opposition from city councillors and conservationists.

The city council did not object to the latest proposals, and the conservation area advisory committee said it was ‘close to acceptability’, although it added more imagination was needed.

However, English Heritage criticised the ‘overall bulk’ of the scheme and said if this was not reduced the application should be refused.

Planning officers recommended approval and said the plans were successful in protecting the integrity of the hotel, a listed building, while enhancing the conservation area and allowing the hotel to realise its commercial potential and contribute to the city’s economic prosperity.

Councillors heard the extension would provide 10 to 15 full and part-time jobs.

The district council’s tourism manager said in a report there was demand for extra bedroom capacity in the city centre – and also demand for more rooms within walking distance of the Festival Theatre.

The city would be well-served by the addition of new conference facilities, as business had been turned down due to lack of capacity.

Cllr Nick Thomas, council portfolio holder for culture and sport, said the development was welcome for both the tourism industry and the economic development of the city and the district.

“The sooner it can be put into place the better,” he declared.

Cllr Pam Dignum said the rear of this important hotel was at present very uninteresting.

They were looking at the balance between economic and business needs and the impact on the environment. “There have been some objections, but I don’t see any harm to the environment,” she added.

Cllr Anne Scicluna said she had some reservations, but welcomed the fact the scheme had progressed greatly.

Cllr John Connor said: “Overall, this is a good scheme, and I shall support it.”