Criticism over plans for Captains Club Hotel in Christchurch

Christchurch Town Council is set to object to a proposal for an extension at the Captains Club Hotel.

The proposal was discussed at a council meeting on January 24, where concerns were raised over its size, appearance, and impact on the surrounding area. 

• Read more: Plans submitted for extension at Captains Club Hotel

The Captains Club in Wick Lane has submitted an application to BCP Council for an extension at its rear, and the construction of a third storey.

Visual of the new extension at the rear of the building (Image: Design and Access Statement / BCP Council)

It would see 29 hotel bedrooms and seven new suites added to the four-star hotel, bringing its total number of rooms to 65.

It would also make space for a new plant room for storage of air conditioning and air handling units.

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Cllr Mike Cox said the proposed development would be simply “too large” for the site.

He told the Daily Echo: “The Captains Club is a great asset to the town. Everybody that goes there enjoys it, but they enjoy it because of its size and its location.

“What is being planned is far too large. It increases the bulk and scale, and it does infringe on the quality of life of its neighbours, which I’m sure the Captains Club themselves would not want.”

Cllr Mike Cox (Image: BCP Council)

Concerns surrounding the scale of the proposed development were raised during the Christchurch Town Council meeting last month.

According to the minutes of the meeting, members agreed that the size, bulk, and height of the proposal would “not be compatible with the landscape and heritage characteristics of the riverside and the conservation area”.

It added: “The proposal did not consider the important views and visual amenity of the surrounding area and would be detrimental to historical and landscape characteristics of the riverside.

“Furthermore, the increased number of rooms would harm the tranquillity of the area and neighbouring residences and cause light and noise pollution.”

Concerns were also raised over the impact the proposal could have on car parking and traffic congestion in the area, and whether that would discourage tourists from coming to Christchurch.

On these grounds, Christchurch Town Council resolved that it raises objection to the proposal for the Captains Club Hotel.

A decision has yet to be made on the planning application.