Go-ahead for Premier Inn despite concerns - The Malvern Observer

Go-ahead for Premier Inn despite concerns

Malvern Editorial 29th Jan, 2014 Updated: 20th Oct, 2016   0

BOSSES at the Malvern Spa and Hotel have raised concerns about plans to build a Premier Inn next door.

It comes after the district council’s Southern Area Development Management Committee gave the green light for the new 66-bedroom three-storey hotel to be developed at the Enigma Business Park.

Managers at The Malvern had formally objected to the proposal, questioning the need for a national branded budget hotel in such close proximity to their own business and claimed Travelodge was still committed to building at a site at Edith Walk in Great Malvern.

Rob Riding from Pegasus, representing The Malvern, also said there were ‘significant concerns’ about the amount of traffic which would cause disturbance and detract from the ‘enjoyment’ of their guests.




He claimed the 240 anticipated moves when the Premier Inn was completed was more than 60 per cent above the permitted use of the land.

Mr Riding also dismissed claims Premier Inn made to the council that visitors to the new hotel would be spread throughout the day.


He said the vast majority of customers would coincide with guests coming and going to The Malvern at peak check-in and out times between 8am to 9.30am and 5pm to 6.30pm, adding that would lead to even greater inconvenience to them.

Finally Mr Riding said the vitality and viability of The Malvern would be adversely affected during the construction work to build the new Premier Inn.

Richard Pearson, acquisitions manager for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants which operates Premier Inn, welcomed the council’s approval.

“We are delighted by the decision. It will bring investment of more than £4million, create 25 new jobs and, in our experience, support local business as our guests use local shops, restaurants and other facilities in the town.”

He confirmed a developer was being sought for the hotel which was expected to opened in autumn.

Mr Pearson said disruption would be kept to a minimum.

“We will be working with an experienced team to ensure that construction takes place as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

“We look forward to opening our doors to customers as soon as possible and to bringing a new Premier Inn to Malvern.”

Members on the development committee generally welcomed the proposal and most dismissed The Malvern’s objections.

Stubbs Rich have been appointed as architects and have mocked up what the finished hotel may look like.

Several councillors were concerned about the bland appearance of the hotel wall facing Townsend Way and recommended the chosen developer looked at ways of making it more pleasing on the eye.

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