Mick’s Grand plan hits another hitch (From Echo)
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Mick’s Grand plan hits another hitch
9:40am Monday 16th July 2012 in News
By Stephen Hackwell
AMBITIOUS plans to revive Leigh’s Grand Hotel could have been dealt a fatal blow.
Mick Norcross’s proposal to transform the landmark building into a boutique hotel and spa has repeatedly stalled and been resurrected since it first emerged last year.
But The Only Way is Essex star’s idea may now be dead in the water, after planning officers at Southend Council refused to support its latest incarnation.
Mr Norcross will attempt to secure planning permission for a three-storey extension to the hotel at a development control committee meeting on Wednesday.
He claims the extension is essential if the revival is to go ahead, but in a report for councillors, planning officers recommended the proposals be thrown out.
Andrew Lewis, corporate director for enterprise, tourism and the environment, said: “While the refurbishment and extension of this key local landmark in Leigh is supported in principle, it should not be at the expense of the character and appearance of the existing building.
“It is considered the proposed three-storey extension is excessively large.”
The Grade II-listed Grand, which was built in 1896, has been empty since it closed in December 2008.
Mr Norcross, who also owns the Sugar Hut nightclub, in Brentwood, divided opinion when he revealed his plans to restore it.
Traders in the Broadway have thrown their weight behind the idea, claiming it would revitalise the site.
However, after objections from residents and police, councillors refused to allow the hotel’s bar to stay open until 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays during a crunch meeting in March.
Mr Norcross went to court to appeal the decision, claiming the business would not turn a profit with reduced hours.
He withdrew that appeal last month, shortly after submitting fresh plans for the extension that would add an extra five bedrooms at the rear of the hotel and expand the kitchen.
Mr Norcross said the extra rooms would make up for the income shortfall created by the licensing decision.
However, the planning officers’ ruling may torpedo the revival for good if it is rubber-stamped by councillors when they meet next week.
The news has been met with disappointment by residents living around the site.
Lilian Jones, 67, of nearby Leighton Avenue, Leigh, said: “I didn’t think an extension would be the best solution, but it’s better than nothing at all.”
Comments(15)
All 9 of me
says...
10:07am Mon 16 Jul 12
notinwestcliffanymore
says...
10:08am Mon 16 Jul 12
jantone
says...
11:21am Mon 16 Jul 12
i realise that this is a listed building, but if permission is refused it will remain empty forever!!
alimac69
says...
12:23pm Mon 16 Jul 12
perini
says...
12:33pm Mon 16 Jul 12
perini
says...
12:39pm Mon 16 Jul 12
Like this bunch of clowns have really preserved the character of Southend? Who agreed the plans for the Uni accomodation??
Bosniavet
says...
1:44pm Mon 16 Jul 12
Quite why this gentleman (of whom I know very little, never having seen TOWIE) believes a "Boutique Hotel" requires a general licence until 2.30am, I don't know, unless of course he is intending it to be a nightclub with rooms.
Surely anything is better than yet another venue being turned into housing.......
AndyBSG
says...
1:57pm Mon 16 Jul 12
I guess at least then they can take their usual back hander from some huge property developer to turn it into flats.
SARFENDMAN
says...
3:05pm Mon 16 Jul 12
RichardAC
says...
7:56pm Mon 16 Jul 12
I have just waded through the officer's report for Wednesday's meeting which is not as negative as I thought it would be and I hope there is negotiation that can be done to address the key points between developer and the council. The report recognises the importance of the building and the need to renovate it. Basically they think the proposed design is too bulky and there are not enough windows or "detailing". There is a shortfall of car parking spaces and officers think these possibly could be addressed by a Travel Plan or other ideas. Overall they do not object to the idea of an extenson but there are issues.
Hopefully there will be a meeting of minds. The old girl is in terminal decay and a decision needs to be made as soon as possible before demolition is the only way forward.
DCLEIGH
says...
9:35am Tue 17 Jul 12
There is plenty of parking space available.
Leigh would benefit from a Spa (just the Swimming pool would mean not a shorter drive to get to Virgin or David Lloyd
I used to do both Virgin and DL but found the drive over to Rayleigh or Rochford a pain....a short walk in Leigh to a fitness spa ...Heaven
Broadwaywatch
says...
1:59pm Tue 17 Jul 12
DCLEIGH wrote:What spa.........sorry but I tend to think that is a bit of a ruse and holds no water (excuse the pun)
As usual, opinions are short sighted and decision makers are not bold enough to give Leigh on Sea a fantastic attraction.
There is plenty of parking space available.
Leigh would benefit from a Spa (just the Swimming pool would mean not a shorter drive to get to Virgin or David Lloyd
I used to do both Virgin and DL but found the drive over to Rayleigh or Rochford a pain....a short walk in Leigh to a fitness spa ...Heaven
The Cater Wood Creeper
says...
4:16pm Tue 17 Jul 12
RichardAC
says...
7:18pm Wed 18 Jul 12
working with the agent with a view to amended plans being submitted".
Very good news IMHO. Let's hope there can be a meeting of minds and this fine Victorian building can be saved and renovated and have a great second century.
APR says...
10:05am Mon 16 Jul 12
Just turn it into flats and have done with it.