North Somerset councillors have given the green light to a controversial plan aimed at rescuing the dilapidated Grand Central Hotel in Weston-super-Mare by converting it into flats and a house in multiple occupation (HMO). Despite concerns over the proposed 19-bedroom HMO in a cramped alleyway, the council expressed that without this element, the regeneration project would be financially unfeasible.
The Grand Central Hotel, a once-prominent landmark facing the Grand Pier, has been closed for decades with its upper floors long abandoned. Weston-based developers Taelon Ltd have designed a plan to transform the building into 28 flats, while also converting the rear extensions on York Street into a sizable HMO.
At the planning committee meeting on March 18, Taelon’s agent, Kit Stokes, emphasized the importance of preserving this historic building to restore the seafront’s appeal. “Buildings of this prominence should be the jewel in the crown of the seafront of Weston-super-Mare,” he said. He stressed that the project would not only save a key landmark but also provide much-needed housing in the town center with convenient access to local amenities.
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Councillors unanimously approved the conversion of the hotel’s second and third floors into 20 flats, along with a new floor in keeping with the original style to house an additional eight flats. However, the HMO proposal sparked debate due to its location on York Street, a narrow alley notorious for litter and poor conditions. Planning officers recommended refusal, citing the HMO’s likely oppressive environment and poor living standards.
Some committee members voiced strong opposition. Councillor Peter Bryant, a landlord himself, described the HMO space as “substandard,” questioning whether anyone would want their family members to live there. Nevertheless, others, including Councillor John Crockford-Hawley, acknowledged that the overall benefits of saving the hotel outweighed the HMO’s shortcomings.
Supporters like Councillor Thomas Daw, the youngest member on the council, and Mike Solomon, who had experience living in modest accommodations, expressed understanding for the need and potential suitability of the dwellings.
Committee Chair Robert Payne called the decision difficult but justified the compromise for the greater good of the project. He stressed conditions will enforce that the HMO conversion proceed only if the main flat conversion happens, along with improved CCTV and lighting in York Street.
Ultimately, councillors voted 7-3 in favor of the HMO approval. Since the decision opposed officers' recommendations, the matter will return for confirmation at the next committee meeting. This marks a significant step toward revitalizing a historic fixture of Weston-super-Mare’s seafront while addressing the town’s housing needs.