By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
“Overbearing” plans to remodel and extend a Cheltenham hotel have been approved, despite privacy concerns from neighbours.
Nirav Sheth has been granted permission to go ahead with his plans for Cotswold Grange Hotel in Pittville Circus Road.
Borough planners considered the proposals at their meeting at the Municipal Offices on March 27.
The scheme includes remodelling and extending the hotel to create extra bedrooms, a new function room and small terrace.
A total of 14 people objected to the proposals and raised concerns over its design, impact on historic buildings as well as the overbearing nature of the plans.
They also fear it will lead to a loss of privacy and cause noise and disturbance.
Lauren Kemple, an objector, called on Cheltenham Borough Council’s planning committee on March 27 to reject the proposals.
She said she represented all the households on Moorcourt Drive and residents in neighbouring flats.
“Residents hadn’t realised they had to object formally again to the revised plans,” she said.
“To be clear, all households are opposing the application and have contributed to what I’m going to say.”
She said the stated benefits of the development had been exaggerated while its negatives underplayed.
She said Moorcourt Drive is a “peaceful and special place to live” but she said the plans would change that.
“There’s no hubbub, busy noisyness or noise in this area. It is a peaceful place to be.
“The hotel sits at the opening of our street and it barely intrudes in the lives of residents at all. While its activities are contained within the building or existing courtyard garden.
She said the planned development would change all of that forever.
“The first thing you will see when you enter the street is guests in the glass pavilion or out on the first floor terrace.
“We will have to walk past them at an elevated height above us to get to our houses.
“This will feel overbearing especially for our elderly residents and children.” She said it would be worse in the summer and there is no sound barrier.
Mr Sheth also spoke at the committee. He told councillors has owned the “well established, family-run boutique hotel” site over the last 18 years.
He said his commitment has been to restore and protect the historic building while it continues to meet the needs of its guests.
Hotels like the Cotswold Grange survive by being allowed to evolve, he said. He said he plans include a larger more flexible function space.
“This will enhance what we already offer providing a much needed venue for local events, small celebrations and cultural gatherings. “It is a modest increase of just six guest bedrooms.
“Allows us to meet demand while maintaining the intimate and personal experience our guests love.
“Crucially this development improves accessibility with a new lift at the main entrance and awfully accessible bedroom ensuring everyone regardless of mobility can experience the warmth of Cotswold Grange.”
Councillor Tony Oliver (LD, Warden Hill) said it was nice to see applicants work with officers to come up with a better scheme. “I’ve looked at the plans and I think they are a lot better than they were,” he said.
“Although I don’t like a modern addition, in terms of the terrace, in this instance I think it’s a really good design.” And Cllr Glenn Andrews (LD, Lansdown) said he had no problems with the rear extension.
But the terrace was “rather conspicuous”. However, he said owners maintaining listed buildings “do need commercial help”. He said the extra function room would help.
The committee approved the plans unanimously.