A proposal to convert part of a west Norfolk hotel into housing has been approved unanimously by councillors - after being narrowly defeated six months ago.
A planning application had been discussed by the borough council in May, which requested permission to convert a motel block on the grounds of Elme Hall Hotel - on the outskirts of Wisbech - into an HMO for up to 39 people.
Councillors voted by eight votes to seven against the scheme, arguing it would damage the area’s tourism offering.
But in a new application, the applicant said tourism had declined locally and it was no longer viable to run the block as motel accommodation.
The main building at Elme Hall Hotel, pictured, would not be converted under the plans (Image: John Hocknell)
The fresh application was discussed at a planning committee meeting on Friday, November 18, at which independent councillor Jo Rust said the project would allow people “to afford a property, which is out of reach for too many people now”.
She added: “The hotel has been in decline for a number of years.
“It doesn't present a very good picture of Wisbech, when you enter it.
“So the fact that somebody’s willing to take it on and improve the look of it goes a long way for me.”
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