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HARBOUR HEIGHTS HOTEL SAVED

The threat of demolition hanging over one of Poole's best known hotels, Harbour Heights, has now been lifted.

Announced today, the decision to dismiss proposals by Prowting Homes Central Ltd to convert the Harbour Heights Hotel into 33 luxury apartments was made by the Government’s Planning Inspector. The decision follows a public enquiry held in April this year during which, Prowting Homes Central Ltd challenged the Borough of Poole’s decision to refuse planning permission for the conversion.

Bruce Grant-Braham, Chairman of the Poole Tourism Panel, said: "This is great news for the town’s tourism industry. Poole experiences the highest room occupancy rates anywhere in Dorset and consistently exceeds regional and national levels. This is due in part due to the fact that demand exceeds supply during the busy summer months leaving some visitors frustrated when they have to be turned away."

He added: "The substantial loss of this 48 bedroomed Hotel so close to Poole's famous beaches would have made this situation even worse. The Inspector’s decision will mean that this superb hotel location, renowned for its panoramic views of Poole Harbour will still be enjoyed for many years to come".

The main issue raised by the Inspector in dismissing the appeal was the loss of hotel accommodation in the town. Poole’s Local Plan, which sets out the policies and proposals for development in Poole clearly states that any developments affecting hotels which result in the loss of accommodation will not be permitted.

During the enquiry, the Borough of Poole argued that a programme of reinvestment and continued improvement would allow the Harbour Heights to operate as efficiently and effectively as other hotels within the Sandbanks/Lilliput area.

The strength of Poole’s tourism economy was also recognised with current significant interest and investment in the town by hotel developers "Express by Holiday Inn" under construction in the Town Centre and the approved new hotel at Canford Magna Golf Course. Planning applications are currently also under consideration for an 80 bed extension to the Thistle Poole Hotel, Poole Quay and a hotel at Cabot Lane.

After considering this information the Planning Inspector decided that Poole’s planning policy was still relevant and that there was insufficient reason given to overrule this policy.

The Inspector also agreed with the Council that the imposed building would cause direct tree loss which would affect views from surrounding areas and put other trees under pressure.

Graham Richardson, Tourism Manager, Borough of Poole, said: "This decision clearly demonstrates the strength of tourism within Poole. A new five year strategy for tourism in Poole has been agreed and one of its main aims is to increase the number of hotel rooms within the town to counter frustrated demand. The planning inspector experienced this first hand when he had to extend the enquiry by a further two days and found it difficult to secure a room as many of the town's leading hotels were full".

Graham Richardson, Tourism Manager, tel: (01202) 262677