Proposals to bring a Premier Inn to Tunbridge Wells, and create more than 40 new jobs in the town have been given the go-ahead by the council’s planning committee.
Work can now progress on the development of the 110-bedroomed hotel, replacing the five-storey Merevale House on London Road, formerly used as the Tunbridge Wells County Court and Family Court.
Ashford-based planning advisers, Hobbs Parker Property Consultants, acted on behalf of Silvercoin Investments Ltd. Having completed a similar project in Canterbury in 2013, this was Silvercoin Investments second project for Premier Inn.
Concerns were raised by local residents over parking and the size of the proposed hotel which will be adjacent to two listed building. However, the planning committee recognised the economic value of bringing a Premier Inn to the town and were confident its guests would find spaces in the nearby Torrington Car Park.
Steve Davies, Senior Planning Consultant at Hobbs Parker Property Consultants, said: “Hotels, such as Premier Inn, make a significant contribution to an area’s economy, whether it’s visitors or business guests, with many spending money in local shops and attractions. The prospect of 40 new full-time equivalent jobs was compelling, as was the removal of a 1970s building, seen by many as not in keeping with the town’s heritage.
“The close proximity of the hotel to public car parks and the nearby railway station, reassured councillors it would not have a detrimental impact on the parking for local residents.”
Designed by BDB, the award-winning Canterbury architects, the proposed building took its inspiration from Tweedale Terrace, the Edwardian building that stood on the site until it was replaced in the 1970s by Merevale House. Its design drew praise from a number of councillors and the council’s streetscape experts.
For information on how Hobbs Parker Property Consultants can provide expert planning advice on proposed commercial and residential developments visit: www.hobbsparker.co.uk/property-consultants