CONCERNED Christchurch residents worried about the potential impact a budget hotel could have on the town centre are organising a public meeting to discuss the plans.

Residents, accommodation owners and businesses are trying to organise a venue to discuss Travelodge’s plans to build a 68-bedroom hotel in the former Christchurch Medical Centre.

An application was submitted on behalf of the hotel chain by RREEF, who own the former medical centre and Saxon Square.

Proposals include the construction of a new entrance foyer, reception and back-up facilities at ground level, which involve the demolition of one small shop unit.

The hotel will not contain a restaurant and will follow the hotel chain’s “vend-only” option.

Formerly a health centre, the building has been empty since 1989 and was recently cited in an investigation by Sky News as one of the worst unused buildings in the country for wasted Department of Health rent.

But concerns about the impact of the budget hotel on Christchurch town centre have prompted some people to organise a meeting to voice their fears.

One resident said: “This is not against Travelodge in particular but against budget hotels in the town as a whole.

“We’re expecting accommodation owners from Southbourne, Bournemouth and elsewhere to attend as this could impact on them as well.”

He added: “If this goes ahead it will be detrimental to Christchurch and the culture of the historic town.”

Bob Denney, chairman of the Independent Tourism Group, which covers Highcliffe, Mudeford and New Milton said: “The real issue is why we have so many hotels like this in the borough when other branches are almost non-existent between Bournemouth and Exeter.

“There is a real concern about this, not just by other bed and breakfast owners but businesses in general.”

As well as public meeting, which is yet to be confirmed a meeting of the Christchurch Tourism Association will be held on Thursday to discuss the application.