Spa and fitness suite plans for Bournemouth hotel The Nici

BCP’s planning committee today (Thurs) is being recommended to agree the changes at the Savoy Hotel, including the partial demolition of part of the existing building.

The hotel, on West Hill Road, is proposing an extension to the northern part of the site to provide extra rooms, spa and fitness suite, a restaurant with a terrace and an additional garden restaurant as well as an outdoor pool.

Almost thirty objections have been received by the council together with three letters of support.

The proposed garden restaurant at the Nici in Bournemouth

Most of those concerned by the proposals are worried about the additional noise and disturbance and a loss of light to their homes, many of them flats to the west of the site.

Eldon James, Nici Hotels managing director, said: "Local businesses and the local community are extremely supportive of the hotel and its future plans, as we look to add further high-quality facilities for all to enjoy. Our ambition is to provide a year-round, five-star destination resort with spa and fitness facilities, state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces and a choice of F&B offerings, including the garden cafe and rooftop restaurant, which will have views out across Poole Bay.

CGI of the rooftop restaurant at the Nici in Bournemouth

"We have already received over 60 enquiries for membership information on the proposed spa and fitness facilities.

"Our immediate neighbours have expressed some concern over how the proposed enhancements may affect them - we are working closely with them to alleviate their concerns, and have made amendments to our proposals where needed.

"Uplifting the tourism landscape, we believe that our proposals will continue to contribute towards the wider regeneration of the area and help secure the future prosperity of the town as a notable tourist destination."

CGI of the proposed layout of the Nici in Bournemouth

Planning officers said despite the objections the large site is suitable for intensification although they note that there will be a shortfall of parking spaces as a result of the changes, should they be agreed. They said the shortfall needs to be weighed up against other factors, including a parking management plan which will include parking permits for some guests in nearby public car parks.

Recommending approval a planning officer report said the development "may serve as a catalyst for further improvement of the West Cliff area and is supported by the tourism team".

The reported added: "Having recognised the collective benefits of the proposed scheme and having regard to the presumption in favour of sustainable development, it is concluded that the proposals would achieve the economic, environmental and social objectives of sustainable development, in compliance with the adopted policies of the development plan.”