DEVELOPERS have had a second go at demolishing a Bournemouth hotel that “cannot be made into a viable tourist asset”. 

A previous planning application to tear down Bourne Hall Hotel in Priory Road, West Cliff and replace it with a seven-storey block of 60 flats was withdrawn in February. 

Victoria Richards, of Spruce Town Planning on behalf of the developer, said this was due to comments made by Historic England, the Highway Authority and a conservation officer at BCP Council. 

All pointed towards reasons why the initial planning application may not get approval. 

But that isn’t the end of place to close down the hotel, with fresh proposals submitted that seek to address the concerns. 

This time round, the hotel’s footprint has been “significantly” reduced, Victoria said, with 37 flats comprising 17 two-bedrooms and 20 one-bedroom apartments. 

As well as this, the number of lower ground floor flats has been reduced to bring in more natural daylight to each room. 

And there would also be a new public footpath made within the site along Kerley Road to “improve highway safety”. 

Although still a working hotel, Victoria said the story hasn’t changed regarding the viability of the hotel as a business. 

She said: “Notwithstanding the proposed loss of tourism accommodation the existing use has been demonstrated to be no longer viable. 

“The loss of the existing tourism accommodation is justified and will not affect the wider function of the local tourism market having regard to the availability of other tourist accommodation nearby.” 

She added: “The proposals use land efficiently by creating additional homes in a highly accessible location.  

“The creation of new homes within the town centre will help to support town centre businesses and services.” 

The development will also be car free in line with council policies – existing parking spaces will be removed to make way for landscaping. 

Instead, the development will allow for two ‘car club’ parking spaces – a scheme where a group can rent a car rather than privately own it. 

Comments can be made on the planning application on BCP Council’s planning portal page. BCP Council will decide on the application in due course.