A NEW FOREST hotel hit by the economic impact of the pandemic is seeking consent to almost double the number of bedrooms.

Two years ago planning chiefs approved an application to upgrade the South Lawn Hotel at Milford on Sea by building an extra storey containing 18 bedrooms.

Now the hotel has submitted an alternative proposal for a 24-bed extension to the back of the complex.

The applicant, S L Hotels Ltd, says the new scheme will enable South Lawn to remain open while the extra rooms are being built.

Members of New Forest District Council are being recommended to approve the proposal. If the scheme goes ahead the number of rooms will rise from 26 to 50.

The application says the hotel is an important tourist facility that contributes to the economy of Milford on Sea and the New Forest as a whole.

It adds that the “attic extension” approved in 2019 would result in the hotel having to shut during construction.

“Covid-19 has impacted the viability of implementing the planning approval, due to the decline in asset value.

“This application seeks to establish the principle of extending the facility to the rear of the property and securing the hotel’s commercial viability.”

The previous proposal was for a £1.5m addition that would have created four full-time jobs and several part-time posts.

A report to councillors says: “The applicant has indicated that delivery of that scheme would have significant challenges for the viability of the hotel, especially after the lost revenue of the past 18 months.

“The (new) scheme proposes investment in an existing hotel which, the applicants indicate, would support the vitality and viability of the hotel.

“It is clear from this and the previous application that the hotel has operated successfully for a number of years, despite its relatively small size.

“The proposed increase in size would not fundamentally change the character of the hotel, but would enable it to attract more visitors to the area and would invest in the long-term retention of existing services and facilities.

“The scheme has significant economic, environmental and social benefits that would preserve the character and appearance of the site. It would deliver a sustainable development and is recommended for approval.”