Plans to transform a derelict eye-sore hotel into new homes have been given the go ahead.
Work to convert the former Bridge Hotel in Sutton Bridge is under way, and structural engineers are due on site next week.
The application to South Holland District Council to change the use of the building to accommodate 15 flats has been approved by officers.
“The proposal whilst not for town centre uses is complementary to the existing town centre and would contribute to the vitality and viability of Sutton Bridge through increased footfall,” says the officer’s report.
It goes on to say that the plan would see reuse and updating of ‘this dilapidated building,’ resulting in aesthetic gain for the area.
Developers API Ltd bought the building last May and said at the time it would become homes.
Owners Rob Bridgewater and Jamie Sandford submitted the application to convert the fire-ravaged building into 15 new apartments.
Speaking this week, Mr Bridgewater said they had been stripping the ‘mess of the previous fire’ in the building ahead of the structural engineer visiting next week.
Due to the flood risk rating of the site, no living accommodation will be in the basement area.
Cycle storage and basements with some of the units will be created in the space.
There is no requirement for any social housing units and a Section 106 order will be made for a £8,800 for an NHS contribution.
No request for a contribution to education was made.
The hotel has been unused for 16 years and was badly damaged in a fire.
Alongside the new flats will be 12 parking spaces. The report says that because the site is in a ‘central urban area where services and facilities are within a reasonable distance to be accessed via sustainable travel options.”
Speaking at the time of buying the hotel, Mr Bridgewater said his company could see the potential of the hotel and the site.
South Holland District Council had looked to buy the building at a 2022 auction but it went for £180,000, much more than the guide price.
It was bought at the time by an out-of-area investment company, which lost money when it sold the building to API.
The local company has already worked on a number of sites in South Holland, including the Red Cow in Donington and the former Chequers in Holbeach.
