Councillors in North Somerset have approved plans to restore the iconic but long-neglected Grand Central Hotel in Weston-super-Mare by converting it into residential flats alongside a controversial 19-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Despite concerns about the HMO’s location, developers say it is essential to make the regeneration financially viable.
Located prominently opposite the Grand Pier, the Grand Central Hotel closed decades ago, leaving its upper floors vacant and the building in decline. Weston-based developer Taelon Ltd has proposed a redevelopment plan that includes transforming the hotel’s upper floors into 28 flats and constructing a new floor to add eight more flats. To fund the project, the plan also involves converting rear extensions on York Street into a 19-bedroom shared house.
The plan was reviewed by the North Somerset Council planning committee on March 18 in three separate applications. The developer emphasized that approval of all three components was crucial for the project to proceed. Kit Stokes, representing Taelon Ltd, highlighted the importance of preserving such a landmark, stating, “Buildings of this prominence should be the jewel in the crown of the seafront of Weston-super-Mare. This is an opportunity we shouldn’t be missing.”
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While the committee unanimously supported the conversion of the hotel into flats and the new floor addition, the HMO proposal sparked debate. York Street, a narrow alleyway with poor amenities and sometimes cluttered with bins, was criticized for creating an “oppressive” living environment. Planning officers recommended against the HMO’s approval, citing poor living conditions.
Councillor Peter Bryant expressed serious reservations, calling the HMO “substandard” and warning against placing residents in a “rotten tooth” of the town. Others, however, including young councillor Thomas Daw and independent councillor Mike Solomon, saw merit in accepting lower standards for the broader benefit of revitalizing the building and increasing housing stock.
Chairman Robert Payne acknowledged the dilemma but supported a conditional approval, requiring that the HMO could only proceed if the main hotel conversion moves forward and that safety improvements like CCTV and lighting in York Street are installed. The committee voted 7-3 in favor of the HMO, with the final decision to be confirmed at a subsequent meeting due to its divergence from planners’ recommendations.
This decision marks a significant step towards rescuing one of Weston-super-Mare’s seafront landmarks and addressing housing demands while balancing community concerns about living conditions.