Nelson Hotel Planning Statement
Statement To Be Incorporated With The Planning Application
The following is intended to supplement the Application for alterations to the Nelson Hotel No.11 Mona Drive, Douglas.
There are two specific elements regarding the proposal:
- The creation of an extension to accommodate a communal bath room on each floor at the rear of the property
& The replacement of the existing windows.
- Internal Alterations.
Concerns have been raised with regards to various matters which relate to the proposed use.
Many of these are operational or management matters which could impact upon planning aspect, although it is considered that such an impact may be marginal. It is felt that in the context of this application, the previous use of the building is particularly relevant in that many of the concerns raised would apply to any hotel as part of its operation.
The proposed alterations to the Nelson Hotel would conform to the Policy/or Development within a Conservation Area (Environment Policy 35)
"Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development."
Specifically, the proposed windows will be UPVC vertical sliding sash, which will reflect the style and appearance of the existing windows.
In Relation to specific issues which are itemised below, the following seeks to clarify these:
- Where the guests would eat?
Response:
The Applicant would enter into an agreement/ arrangement with a local recognised catering company which would, when required, provide two meals comprising of breakfast and dinner. Meals would be delivered to the Manager of the Hotel who in turn will deliver them to the residents who placed the order on the previous night. The cost of the meals would be borne by the guest who placed the order.
This process will be arranged through the Manager of the Hotel. Meals will be consumed in rooms. All table ware and other items would be the responsibility of the Manager in terms of collection and disposal.
- Would cooking would be carried out in rooms?
Response:
No cooking would be carried out in rooms and no facilities for such would be provided other than the facility for tea/coffee making.
Item 1 above is relevant to this issue.
3- Provision of House keeping Service. House keeping service will be provided, and the rooms will be cleaned on a daily basis. 4- What Communal Facilities would be provided ( Lounge, Dining Room)?
Response: None, the Hotel will be run in the manner of the Premier Inn Chain in the UK, which do not provide lounge and dining room facilities.
5- Procedure for booking a room. Various options would be available. a- Response to advertising. b- Travel Agencies. c- The Isle of Man Department of Tourism. d- Manx Net/ Internet. e- Telephone Directory Yellow Pages. f- At the Hotel itself at ground floor reception.
6- What is the average length of stay anticipated to be?
Response: This is expected to be two to fifteen days. It should be stressed that the hotel is intended for use by member of the public as a tourist facility during TT, Manx rallys and other events on the island. The Hotel is not to be used by any Government Department, nor private organisation seeking accommodation for specific groups nor specialist needs organisations.
In conclusion it must be emphasised that this proposal for the Nelson Hotel is one which would make best use of a redundant building within the centre of Douglas and avoid potential deterioration or at worst dereliction which would be detrimental to the surrounding and its environment. It would also make some contribution to the tourism sector and enhance the use of neighbouring facilities such as restaurants, entertainment, Pubs, etc...
The issues which have been responded to above are intended to assist in understanding the operational requirements of the proposed hotel and its function. The Nelson Hotel would specifically be that of a budget hotel.
