A proposal seeks to replace the Lord Bute Hotel buildings with six houses, parking, and bike storage after planning application.
Elliot Herron Limited sent in the proposal, and BCP Council should decide by March 20th. The site has a listed lodge and three modern-style hotel buildings. The new plan involves tearing down the newer buildings to build three blocks with two semi-detached houses each.
Bradley Green runs the Lord Bute hotel and restaurant and isn’t worried about the new application at all. He said landlords try every two years for permission. It has been happening for about 20 years, and the landlord has changed a few times anyway, without affecting businesses, he noted.
Bradley said they are staying, even if the landlord sells, but he doubts the plan will receive permission. The buildings they want to tear down store linen and serve the hotel.
Bradley stated the area is a special scientific site, noting that sand lizards live there, which complicates things further. Phosphate rules also complicate building on the land, and Bradley thinks the plans will not go ahead soon, adding that even with permission, they may not build anyway.
“The Lord Bute is a landmark,” Bradley said, stating that he doesn’t think new housing is a good idea. Don Lampitt also works at the Lord Bute Hotel, and he said the site has a rich history, adding, “It’s just not going to happen.”
“The buildings will stay,” Don stated firmly to visitors. The local council fully supports keeping them; the Lord Bute restaurant is located on Lymington Road, and Bradley Green has been the chef there since September 2023.