Grand Hotel revival looks set to get the go-ahead

6:00am Saturday 11th August 2012 in News By Jasmin McDermott

THE revival of Leigh ’s Grand Hotel could soon be a reality after council officers gave the nod to the plans.

Mick Norcross’s proposal to transform the empty landmark into a boutique hotel and spa looks set to clear the final hurdle after suffering several setbacks since it was drawn up last year.

Scaled-down plans to add a two-storey extension to the back of the hotel in The Broadway, containing two additional bedrooms and extended kitchen facilities, have been recommended for approval.

The Echo reported in July planning officers had recommended plans for a three-storey extension with five bedrooms should be thrown out by Southend Council’s development control committee.

The final decision on the proposal was delayed and the star of TV’s the Only Way Is Essex, from Bulphan, Thurrock , amended the application.

Mr Norcross said: “I’m happy the plans have now been recommended for approval.

“If the council gives us approval, we would look to start work as soon as possible.

“It would be a case of working onwards and upwards.”

In a report to the committee, which will be discussed next Wednesday, case officer Louise Cook, said: “The additional bed spaces and enlarged kitchen facilities will enhance the use of the building and increase the potential number of visitors it is able to accommodate.

“This will have a positive impact in terms of bringing additional trade into the borough, in particular the commercial area of Leigh, thus enhancing the vitality and viability of the area.

The report said the extension and development of the building would enhance the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

Mr Norcross, who owns the Sugar Hut nightclub, in Brentwood, initially appealed against a decision by councillors to refuse to allow the hotel’s bar to stay open until 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

However, he withdrew his objection, which would have resulted in a court hearing, taking his dream of transforming the listed building a step closer.

Comments (10)

8:26am Sat 11 Aug 12

RichardAC says...

Excellent news. Hopefully the committee will support the officer's report which is very comprehensive and very positive. The new extension looks like a mini Grand attached to the rear of the building and looks great. Hopefully the builders will be on site quickly and the last great Victorian hotel still standing in the borough can have a new and successful lease of life.
Excellent news. Hopefully the committee will support the officer's report which is very comprehensive and very positive. The new extension looks like a mini Grand attached to the rear of the building and looks great. Hopefully the builders will be on site quickly and the last great Victorian hotel still standing in the borough can have a new and successful lease of life. RichardAC

8:39am Sat 11 Aug 12

Frankiii says...

I wouldn't count on it, this is the guy that had 37 planning breaches to a Grade II listed building when the Sugar Hut was shoehorned into the White Hart in Brentwood
I wouldn't count on it, this is the guy that had 37 planning breaches to a Grade II listed building when the Sugar Hut was shoehorned into the White Hart in Brentwood Frankiii

8:46am Sat 11 Aug 12

RichardAC says...

read the officer's report. It's very prescriptive. Right down to the colour of the mortar.
read the officer's report. It's very prescriptive. Right down to the colour of the mortar. RichardAC

10:12am Sat 11 Aug 12

The Cater Wood Creeper says...

RichardAC wrote:
read the officer's report. It's very prescriptive. Right down to the colour of the mortar.
what about it's calibre....
[quote][p][bold]RichardAC[/bold] wrote: read the officer's report. It's very prescriptive. Right down to the colour of the mortar.[/p][/quote]what about it's calibre.... The Cater Wood Creeper

12:20pm Sat 11 Aug 12

jantone says...

good luck to mr. norcross!! hope gets an approval, he has really worked hard trying to get it!!
it will do wonders for leigh town centre, & certainly bring more trade to this this area.
good luck to mr. norcross!! hope gets an approval, he has really worked hard trying to get it!! it will do wonders for leigh town centre, & certainly bring more trade to this this area. jantone

12:33pm Sat 11 Aug 12

HAPPY NOW says...

great! leigh has already got its fair share of mark wright wannabe's maxing out their credit cards/student loans on cocktails while showing off the bmw/range rover type cars that mummy or daddy bought them bought on finance, now we are going to have even more! i like leigh, but cant stand the 'towie'/david haye after a few drinks type wannabe's that occcupy it. however, on the other hand, the grand- something had/has to be done, and this guy has the money to do it!
great! leigh has already got its fair share of mark wright wannabe's maxing out their credit cards/student loans on cocktails while showing off the bmw/range rover type cars that mummy or daddy bought them bought on finance, now we are going to have even more! i like leigh, but cant stand the 'towie'/david haye after a few drinks type wannabe's that occcupy it. however, on the other hand, the grand- something had/has to be done, and this guy has the money to do it! HAPPY NOW

2:37pm Sat 11 Aug 12

The Cater Wood Creeper says...

can't wait to read the first report of violence or other shenanigans at this venue for vajazzled and fake tanned wannabe's after it's opened. Might even take the limelight away from the Sugar Hut.......
can't wait to read the first report of violence or other shenanigans at this venue for vajazzled and fake tanned wannabe's after it's opened. Might even take the limelight away from the Sugar Hut....... The Cater Wood Creeper

8:25pm Sat 11 Aug 12

kennytherealessexchef says...

well done mick,you are doing a great thing for the leigh area ! local residents should not moan,! as the house prices will rocket skywards because of your project,looking forward to the opening! i will be there !
well done mick,you are doing a great thing for the leigh area ! local residents should not moan,! as the house prices will rocket skywards because of your project,looking forward to the opening! i will be there ! kennytherealessexchef

12:29pm Mon 13 Aug 12

Tom from Southend says...

If Leigh isnt full of tarted up showoffs as it is, this gentlemen wants to convert the Grand into a place for shallow plastic wannabees. I'll stick to the real places, good luck Leigh.
If Leigh isnt full of tarted up showoffs as it is, this gentlemen wants to convert the Grand into a place for shallow plastic wannabees. I'll stick to the real places, good luck Leigh. Tom from Southend

10:38am Tue 14 Aug 12

APR says...

What on earth is a "Boutique hotel"

I see only one long term future for this building.

Demolition
What on earth is a "Boutique hotel" I see only one long term future for this building. Demolition APR

Comments are closed on this article.

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