Sutton Bridge developers make application to use basement in hotel conversion
The first steps have been made in a project to revamp a grot spot hotel as developers are pushing ahead with their plans.
Rob Bridgewater and Jamie Sandford of API Investments are behind the plans to convert The Bridge Hotel in Sutton Bridge into 15 flats.
The Bridge Hotel has long been a dilapidated eyesore at the entrance to the village, with locals calling for action to be taken.
The developers were granted planning permission in January to change the use of the building from a hotel into flats but they have now lodged a fresh application to be allowed to use the basement as accommodation.
They have applied to alter one of the conditions of the earlier permission which restricted the use of the basement to ‘non-habitable’ rooms such as a garage or bathroom.
It reads: “The application building is currently in a derelict state; however, it is evident that parts of the basement have previously been used as habitable rooms.
“This historical use suggests that the basement has been suitable for occupation in the past and does not inherently pose an issue for future residential use.
“The basement level benefits from existing window openings and this ensures that future occupants will have comfortable and functional living spaces within the basement area.”
The building was last used as a hotel in 2008 and has suffered fire damage in the past.
In the earlier application, the council ruled that there were ‘no significant factors’ that outweighed the benefits of developing the landmark building.
Further justification in the application states that ‘the basement level has an appropriate ceiling height, which meets the necessary standards for habitable rooms.’
It goes on to say that ‘any habitable space within the basement will meet acceptable living standards’ due to existing window openings that provide natural light and ventilation to the rooms.
The derelict building has attracted vandalism and graffiti during its years of neglect and dilapidation so residents were thrilled about the fact that flats may attract younger people to remain in the village and boost its fortunes.
Lincolnshire County Council’s education department said there are sufficient places to cater for any children living in the flats in nearby schools and the NHS wants £9,900 to go towards healthcare services.
