Permission secured for new 73-bedroom hotel and resort in East Hampshire

Planning Potential has secured consent for a new 73-bedroom hotel and resort, together with 14 lakeside lodges and a luxury family holiday cottage, in a secluded rural setting, in Bordon, Hampshire.

The planning permission allows for the redevelopment of the site of the former 24-bedroom Headley Park Hotel, which has been closed since 2015. The original building was constructed between 1884 and 1891 and, despite being extended over the years, it was no longer considered suitable for hotel use.

The redevelopment site occupies a secluded woodland setting, off Picketts Hill, just beyond the boundary of the South Downs National Park.

“The site is absolutely stunning”, explains Senior Planner, Grace Mollart, “and provides the perfect setting for a luxurious, considerately-designed rural retreat.”

 

The surrounding woodland is designated as a Site of Importance to Nature Conservation (SINC) and adjoins a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Protection Area (SPA).

“We’ve been working with an experienced ecologist to ensure that the site will be managed sensitively and enhanced, following a number of years of neglect”.   

The vacant main hotel building is in a very poor state of repair and sits close to the roadside. “The former hotel was not considered fit for purpose,” explains Grace. “The narrow footprint of the existing building limits service areas, restricts circulation, and allows limited space and light for the letting rooms.

“Through our planning application, we worked hard to secure an uplift of more than 8,000 sqm of usable floor space, which clearly makes the new development much more attractive and viable.”

The disused hotel will be replaced with a contemporary building and holiday lodges will be located around the lakeside. Dilapidated outbuildings will be retained, restored, or replaced to provide staff and holiday accommodation. A new barn style building will accommodate restaurant facilities and there will also be a new spa and wellness centre.

Further information about the new hotel development is available from Landhold Developments Ltd on 020 8446 6700.