Local authority will not object to new hotel plan

Peel Commissioners have unanimously agreed not to object to plans for a new boutique hotel and nine apartments on East Quay.

The local authority had deferred its decision on the planning application last month to allow further discussions with the applicants and give residents an opportunity to raise questions about the proposed development.

Representatives Nick Ingham and John Wilson attended the commissioners’ meeting to address concerns raised by residents, including parking provision, the height of the building and the future of Castle Street Gardens.

A proposal from Commissioner Ray Harmer that the board should not object to the application, while including comments raised during the meeting, was unanimously supported.

Parking was among the key issues discussed, with Mr Ingham and Mr Wilson outlining two possible options for the development.

They said the proposals would provide more parking spaces than required for the hotel and apartments, with some potentially being made available to the public if necessary.

The options would provide either 57 or 54 spaces for hotel guests and apartment residents.

The representatives acknowledged the difficulties caused by parking in Peel, saying they did not want the development to add to existing problems, although they could not resolve the town’s wider parking issues entirely.

The application includes a 21-bedroom hotel, restaurant, café/bar, spa and gym, alongside nine residential apartments.

The scheme would redevelop a former garage and showroom site and includes improvements to the nearby Castle Street Gardens.

Mr Wilson confirmed that ownership of the gardens, as well as responsibility for the refurbishment scheme, would remain with Peel Commissioners, although the work would be funded by the developer.

He also said the applicants would look into installing gates as part of the planning application to help prevent anti-social behaviour in the gardens.

The proposed building’s height was another concern raised during discussions.

Mr Ingham and Mr Wilson explained that the design would allow for five floors, with the building occupying more of the width of the site rather than being taller.

They also highlighted the undulating nature of the ground and confirmed that a two-metre buffer was being maintained along the boundary.

The development has previously attracted opposition from some residents, with concerns raised about its scale, potential impact on Peel’s character, parking pressures and effects on views and privacy.

However, the applicants have argued that the scheme would bring a vacant, previously developed site back into use, provide tourist accommodation and support the town’s economy.

The plans also include the redevelopment of Castle Street Gardens and off-site parking provision.

The decision by Peel Commissioners not to object does not amount to planning permission, with the application still to be determined by the relevant planning authority.

Also discussed at the meeting was the vacant seat on the commissioners’ board, with confirmation that a by-election is expected to take place in December.

Clerk Derek Sewell said the Cabinet Office was arranging the dates and paperwork.

Nomination papers are expected to be available at the end of October, with polling scheduled for early December if more than one candidate stands.

Peel Commissioners will next meet on Thursday, November 19.