LYME REGIS: Councillors have backed controversial plans to demolish part of a historic hotel and redevelop the site.

Palmers Brewery's proposals to redevelop the Three Cups Hotel on Broad Street have now gained the support of Lyme Regis Town Council, despite listening to concerns from a neighbour that the new scheme will invade his privacy.

The Three Cups has been closed for more than 20 years but once housed the likes of literary greats such as Jane Austen and JRR Tolkien.

Palmers said it would take more than £5million and three years to transform the site, which will include a restaurant, letting rooms, apartments, townhouses, shops, a community room and an underground car park.

Speaking at last week's planning and highways committee meeting, Cllr Anita Williams, said: “We will recommend approval after the committee has heard the concerns of residents regarding the overlooking of their hall and bathroom windows.

“We ask that West Dorset's committee gives consideration to these issues. 

“I think we've got to the point where this is probably as good as it gets and we would like this done.”

David Parker, who owns the adjacent building, Sea Tree House, has objected to the plans over lack of privacy. An updated scheme means town houses will now look directly into his bathroom and hallway.

Property agent for Palmers, Nigel Jones admitted that while trying to strike a compromise with different groups, they have been unable to please everyone.

“We have tried our best, but we can't resolve the issue with David's windows as we won't get the support of English Heritage and the council's architects” he said. 

A group campaigning to protect the heritage of the Three Cups Hotel also gave their support at last week's meeting - but chairman of Save the Three Cups, John Dover, raised concerns over access through a narrow and busy passage, and the design of a sloping roof which will sit on top of a bar at the rear of the development.

“Now is the time for action, not further rhetoric” said Mr Dover. “If our objections are addressed, we would support this planning application because it offers a win-win for the applicants, residents and visitors to Lyme Regis.

“We recognise the developers have to get a return and we recognise this is a significant investment in Lyme Regis - and we would applaud that.”

Mr Dover also suggested that a community room which forms part of Palmers' redevelopment plans could be used to showcase the heritage of the building.

“If some of it is demolished, it's not actually going to still be there” he explained. “But the opportunity is there in that community room to celebrate that heritage in a pro-active way and particularly with people coming in through that area, it seems a natural situation.”

Mr Jones justified Palmers' sloping roof after concerns were raised by councillors.

“West Dorset and English Heritage wanted a feature building there as a statement to make it much taller” he said.

“We said no as it would affect neighbours, but in there is the bar - so we do need some height. But we have brought it down as low as possible.”

West Dorset planners are expected to consider the proposals next month.

 

  • DEVELOPERS have warned that construction work will inevitably cause disruption to Lyme Regis.

If the plans are given the green light by West Dorset planners, around 3,000 cubic metres of material will need to be excavated - with the only access from Broad Street.

“It will have to be run like a military operation” explained agent for Palmers Brewery Nigel Jones.

“The work will inevitably cause an inconvenience - but we will do all we can to ensure the timing of the work means disruption is kept to a minimum.”