Hotel flats go ahead

APPROVAL has been given to turn the redundant wing of a town centre hotel into flats.

Applicant James Kimber was given permission to convert 11 empty rooms at the Sackville Hotel into nine self-contained flats at Rother's planning committee meeting.

Other parts of the Sackville are used for residential purposes.

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Officers felt there may be an issue with the loss of good quality visitor accommodation if the wing was converted into flats.

The council's local plan states the loss of tourist accommodation should be prevented unless it is of poor quality or there is a lack of demand for it.

But the majority of councillors argued the site was unsuitable for development as a dedicated hotel.

They were also told major work would be needed if it was used for guest accommodation, as the building would not meet fire regulations for hotels.

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Cllr Deirdre Williams said: "This building is a residential building, where residents bought their homes on the clear understanding the building is a secure environment.

"The applicant, who invested a huge amount of money in the Cooden Beach Hotel, knows his business. Why do we think that our regeneration officer knows better?

"Let's support this application - there is no reason why the applicant would waste his time and money on a non-profit making venture."

Cllr David Vereker said: "Last month I thought quite strongly this should stay as a hotel, but having seen the building it's pure common sense that it is not a hotel and could not be.

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"You would take up half the rooms making a decent reception and kitchen."

"Although I can see the logistics of it, I would still like it noted I'm very sad to see a loss of accommodation in Bexhill," said Cllr Paul Lendon.

"It is important we had this discussion," said committee chairman Cllr Brian Kentfield. "We had to give a clear reason as to why we are releasing it (the hotel), otherwise it could open the floodgates."

Members granted permission for the development, saying the building lacked the security and safety requirements to be used for hotel accommodation.

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