This four-storey hotel extension should get the green light, say York council officers.
Plans for the extension to the Principal Hotel were originally conceived in 2016, and put forward again in 2019. Then Covid intervened.
They were brought back to the council in January.
This application seeks permission for the construction of a four-storey extension building to provide 41 bedrooms, a reception area and a reconfigured car park.
It would be located at the northwest end of the site, close to Leeman Road and would be linked to the existing 1912 ‘north annex’.
The hotel, which is Grade II listed, is owned by Covivio Hotels, and has been run by RBH Management since last autumn. It currently has 155 bedrooms, so the new plans would take that to 196.
‘Carefully designed’
Historic England is “broadly comfortable” with the design, but the Micklegate Planning Panel has objected, saying “the overall design is disappointing and does not fit the context”.
Two residents have also objected, saying the extension not in keeping with the existing Grade II listed main hotel, and it will increase noise and traffic.
The plans will go before councillors at a meeting next Tuesday (18 July) where they are recommended to approve the scheme.
A report says: “The new building has been carefully designed to complement the existing building group whilst maintaining the dominance, setting and garden aspect of the Victorian hotel building.
“Important views would be preserved and some views, such as along the main access from Station Road and from the city walls, would be enhanced within the Conservation Area.”
You can read the full plans here and the council agenda and report here.
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