Premier Inn Appeals Against Planning Denial for St Ives Hotel in Cornwall, England

Premier Inn Hotels Ltd has appealed with the Planning Inspectorate against Cornwall Council’s decision to reject its proposed hotel in St Ives. The appeal comes after the council denied an application for a 90-bedroom Premier Inn hotel on land at Trewidden Road.

The council’s West Cornwall Sub-Area Planning Committee declined the application due to concerns over the negative impact the hotel could have on the character and scenery of the wider St Ives area. Despite the council’s planning officers recommending approval, the committee voted against the proposal.

Louise Woodruff, Property Acquisitions Manager at Whitbread, expressed optimism about bringing Premier Inn to St Ives. According to her, the proposed hotel would increase accommodation options for visitors, create jobs, and contribute to the town’s year-round economic prosperity.

The appeal documents, prepared by property consultancy JLL, highlight the proposed hotel’s benefits. These include the provision of budget hotel rooms year-round, the creation of 30 full-time jobs once operational, and 80 roles during the construction phase. The proposed hotel plans to use renewable technologies like PV panels and air source heat pumps to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Outstanding’. Additionally, the hotel promises a Biodiversity Net Gain of over 10%.

An economic impact assessment included with the planning application estimates that the proposed Premier Inn could bring £2.2 million annually to the St Ives economy through visitor spending. The appeal can be reviewed on Cornwall Council’s planning portal under PA22/11311. The Planning Inspectorate will determine how to proceed with the appeal.