Developer Quantum says there is 'widespread support' for East Cliff scheme

Quantum Group, which acquired Cottonwood, Ocean View and Bay View Hotels in 2011, was granted planning permission on Monday to knock down the existing buildings and install two blocks of flats for elderly residents comprising 122 apartments and a new 90-bedroom hotel.

However, Cllr Lynda Price, one of three members of the planning board to vote against the proposal, said the design was ‘not up to scratch’.

But Quantum chief executive David Hines said there was “widespread public support” for the scheme.

At the meeting, Cllr Price said: “Why do we have a town conservation area and then take no notice of it whatsoever?

“I feel Cottonwood is a particular example of a hotel that could be regenerated with tender loving care. Bournemouth, after all, has its character in Victorian and Edwardian houses – and there aren’t many left.”

Cllr Price branded the design a ‘decimation of a conservation area’ and ‘somewhat mundane’.

“English Heritage slams this proposal and I support the English Heritage point of view,” she said. “The footprint is far too large and the height of the buildings is not acceptable.”

Also opposing the proposal was Cllr Beryl Baxter, who said she is ‘very unhappy’ about the loss of trees and the ‘beautiful’ Cottonwood Hotel.

“To me the development is very modern and if that’s the way the East Cliff is going then I fear for its future,” she added.

But Cllr Roger West made a move to support the application, describing the development as a ‘fantastic opportunity for Bournemouth’.

“Come on – let’s really grab this opportunity with both hands, thank the developer and get on with it,” he added.

Cllr West’s move was seconded by the board’s chairman, Cllr David Kelsey, who praised the plans for underground parking, welcomed the assisted living block for older residents and compared the ‘nice’ design to that of the Cumberland.

“These three hotels have come to the end of their feasible, functional life as hotels,” he added.

“I totally sympathise with Cllr Baxter and the loss of the trees – I agree with her to a point, but we must not be held up in this town by trees.

“We cannot think just of what we had in the past but what we will leave for our kids and their kids.”

After the meeting, David Hines, chief executive at Quantum, said: “We’re delighted with the outcome and excited to bring a new landmark development to Bournemouth – helping to boost the town’s economy, and create local business and employment opportunities.

“This is a major step forward not just for the East Cliff, but for the surrounding area, creating a mixed community and facilities to suit all needs and ages.

“The scheme approval comes after years of dialogue and consideration, in close collaboration with a huge range of stakeholders, local residents, and Bournemouth Borough Council.

“The fact that there was so much widespread public support - from nearly 300 people; compared to just over 50 objections, is proof that the development is something that people want.

“This planning consent is the start of a long journey, there is a huge amount of work to be done before construction can even be commenced and the earliest that I imagine we would see completed buildings will be around 2017.

“It’s very much business as usual for our hotels. We’re extremely busy with visitors, weddings, conferences and right now with all the festive period parties and celebrations. Of course this existing loyal customer base will form a great business foundation for the new hotel.”