The owners of a North Yorkshire hotel have lodged an appeal after council planners refused permission for alterations likened to a “beach hut from Ibiza” by one local resident.
The retrospective application sought permission for a wicker enclosure, canvas canopy and new openings to create a private outdoor area for the bridal and honeymoon suites at Croft Hotel, in Croft-on-Tees, near Darlington.
Agents for the applicant said the private enclosure was designed to create an intimate area for the wedding guests to be able to sit outside.
They claimed the work did not detract from the character of the hotel.
But planning officers at North Yorkshire Council rejected the scheme, concluding that the development caused less than substantial harm to the Grade II listed building and the wider Croft conservation area.
In their refusal notice, officers said the wicker screening and canopy appeared “incongruous” and out of keeping with the hotel’s historic “back of house” character.
They said the development introduced a form of “false gentrification” that conflicted with the building’s historic appearance.
A number of objections were submitted to the application, including concerns from Croft Parish Council and the council’s conservation officer.
Residents also complained about increased noise, overlooking and disturbance caused by guests using the outdoor area, while others argued the wicker structure and doors were more suited to a modern building than a historic hotel.
The appeal is now being considered by the Planning Inspectorate, which will decide whether the refusal should be overturned.
Several new objections have been submitted as part of the appeals process.
One local resident said: “Weddings guests congregate in the wicker enclosure at all times of the day and night, as they view it as a private garden to continue celebrations.
“Even with a curfew for the beer garden in place, which is next to the wicker enclosure, weddings guests use the enclosure well past the curfew.”
Another added: “I object to the wicker enclosure as it is total out of character for the hotel. All it does is amplify noise when people are inside it talking.
“Many a time after 11pm at night when myself and other neighbours are trying to sleep.
“Also it is unsightly and looks like a beach hut from Ibiza. It is not in character or fitting with the age of the hotel. It is cheaply done and an eyesore.”
No decision date has been set for the approval.
