Plans to demolish part of the Lord Bute Hotel in Highcliffe have been refused by BCP Council.
The proposals sought to replace parts of the site with six residential dwellings, parking and bike storage. They also included removing part of East Lodge, a Grade II listed building next to the hotel, as part of a wider redevelopment plan submitted by the landlord’s agent, Elliot Herron Limited.
The planning application was submitted in November last year and became valid in January, before a public consultation period in February and March.
In its decision on 3 October, the council said the plans failed to show how the works would protect the special architectural and historic significance of East Lodge. It found no convincing justification or public benefit to outweigh the harm to the listed building and concluded that the proposal conflicted with key heritage and conservation policies.
A spokesperson for the Lord Bute said the landlord intends to appeal the decision, which could take up to two years, but stressed the hotel remains open and trading as usual.
They added that the land has changed hands several times over the years, with previous attempts to develop it also refused.
Bradley Green, director and head chef, said the outcome was not unexpected and that the team is now focused on moving forward.
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