Traders drop hotel bombshell

The Chamber of Commerce says the Metropole putting green is the wrong place for a hotel complex and the public consultation process for the proposals was inadequate.

Three top international architects put forward designs for the 60-bed-hotel development along with a masterplan for the regeneration of Bexhill town centre. They were showcased at a recent exhibition and 850 members of the public answered questionnaires saying which of the three they preferred. The winner was announced yesterday. Regeneration body Sea Space, which commissioned the design competition, thinks the scheme could kick-start a new era of economic prosperity for the town centre. But traders disagree.

The Chamber of Commerce says while it supports the overall regeneration plan, the hotel proposals are deeply unpopular among its members.

A statement sent to Sea Space reads: "We recognise that the hotel is part of the overall proposal but now this aspect seems to have taken on a life of its own, unfortunately to the detriment of the rest of the plan.

"We now think it is very unlikely that our members will ever welcome a hotel on the proposed site. We welcome the concept of a hotel but not in the proposed location."

It goes on to say the public consultation process was too brief and Sea Space should send a copy of its plans to every home and business in Bexhill with a tear-off response slip before any decisions are made.

The statement concludes: "We would ask that you reconsider your plans with regard to the hotel, have a more wide-ranging consultation process that includes consulting comprehensively with residents, local organisations and groups."