Plans to transform the dilapidated Grand Central Hotel in Weston-super-Mare into new homes have sparked ongoing controversy, as council officers continue to raise concerns about the impact of a proposed 19-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) on residents’ quality of life.
Developer Taelon Ltd aims to restore the iconic hotel on the town’s seafront by converting the main building into 28 flats. However, the viability of the project depends on approval to convert rear extensions accessed via York Street—a narrow alley—into a sizable HMO. While councillors have backed the overall development, including the HMO, planning officers warn the shared house would create “unpleasant and oppressive” living conditions due to its location and layout.
In March, North Somerset Council’s planning committee approved three linked applications covering the conversion of the hotel and extensions. The hotel-to-flat conversions received unanimous support, but the HMO was more divisive. Ultimately, councillors approved the HMO as part of a compromise to enable the hotel’s wider restoration. However, because this approval counters officer advice, council protocol requires the scheme to be reviewed again by committee before final confirmation—now scheduled for April 15.
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Taelon Ltd has offered to accept a condition that flats in the main building must be completed before anyone moves into the HMO, aiming to address some concerns. Nevertheless, planning officers maintain their objection, emphasizing the poor living environment the rear HMO would create for future residents.
A spokesperson for Taelon Ltd commented: “Our goal is to bring a long-vacant seafront property back into sustainable use, providing much-needed new homes. We disagree that the HMO would result in poor living standards. The main issues cited, such as noise and the narrow access of York Street, can be effectively mitigated.
“It is far better to see this building revived rather than left to further decay. This project will require significant investment and will enhance the town centre and seafront outlook. The suggested planning conditions reflect our commitment to responsibly delivering the scheme and contributing positively to the regeneration of the wider area, including the neglected York Street.”
The Grand Central Hotel, directly facing the Grand Pier, has been closed for decades, with its upper floors empty and the façade worn by the elements. The redevelopment plans include converting the hotel’s second and third floors into 20 flats and adding another floor in keeping with the building’s style to create eight additional flats.
As the planning committee prepares to reconsider the HMO application, the future of this prominent seafront landmark and its impact on housing conditions remain at the heart of local debate.