New bid to turn old school into hotel

A new attempt is being made to win planning permission for the conversion of a derelict Bath landmark into a hotel and bar.

The planning application by the Yorkshire-based owner of the 18th Century former King Edward's School building is the latest salvo in a battle stretching back 13 years.

The first plans drawn up by Samuel Smith in 1997 - 11 years after the building in Broad Street was last used - were for a pub, but since 2004 the firm has been trying to win permission for a hotel instead.

Progress had faltered because of problems accommodating a lift, but recent talks between the firm, Bath and North East Somerset Council and English Heritage have concluded that one may not be needed.

The latest planning application says the hotel would have 12 en-suite bedrooms and employ 15 staff - three full-time and 12 part-time.

Some local residents fear the bar element might aggravate noise and disturbance in the prime nightspot area around George Street.

The application documents stress that the building's main use would be as a hotel - although they refer to it as the King Edward's Tavern.

Samuel Smith has just restored a 16th century listed building in Gloucester, turning it into a pub, and says it wants to build on this success in Bath.

A report from its consultants Cunnane Town Planning says: "The proposed change of use will bring a grade II* listed building which has been vacant for over 20 years into active and appropriate usage, which will undoubtedly enhance both the Bath Conservation Area and the World Heritage Site within which it is located, as well as the local economy as a whole."

It adds: "The proposed layout of the premises will ensure that the amenities of local residents are preserved, and the applicant is willing to accept the imposition of suitably-worded conditions to secure this."

Michael Brett, who chairs the Abbey Residents' Association, said his members had been reassured by previous discussions over the conditions likely to be imposed on any planning permission and licensing agreement.

He said local people wanted to see the building being used once again.

"We're very keen to see this project go ahead and we believe there will be sufficient safeguards built in."

But Henry Brown, chairman of the Circus Area Residents' Association, said his members remained worried over the impact of the development.

He said they were concerned that the firm would need a busy bar to make just 12 bedrooms pay.

"The George Street area is already the top hotspot in Bath for night-time anti-social behaviour.

"We are concerned about it and will want to study the application very closely."