Kent’s county town is a major step forward to welcoming a 150-bedroom hotel at Eclipse Park, next to Junction 7 of the M20, after it received full planning permission.
Full planning permission for the hotel was granted to Gallagher Properties, part of the Maidstone-based quarrying, aggregates, construction and property developer Gallagher Group, after all the outstanding matters from the outline permission, were agreed. The final decision was taken by planning officers under their delegated powers.
Nick Yandle, Chief Executive of Gallagher Group, said: “We can now enter into serious negotiations with a number of operators who have already expressed interest in developing a hotel of this size in Maidstone. It is clear that the site’s proximity to the recently opened Kent Institute of Medicine and Surgery, make it a very attractive proposition for a hotel operator.
“The planning officers were particularly impressed with the quality of the proposed design and we look forward to delivering a hotel that supports Maidstone’s business and visitor economy.”
The plans for the 150-bedroom hotel on the 16 acre Eclipse Park, also include a restaurant and conference facilities. When built it will be clearly visible from the M20, and close to the offices of Towergate Insurance and the Next Home & Fashion store, which is currently under construction and due to open in November.
Thanks to Eclipse Park’s location, it has become Maidstone’s premier business park, with the campus-style development now home to ASB Law, DHA Planning, accountancy firm DSH, and Orbit Housing Association.