A purpose-built 42-bed hotel constructed in the 1980s that changed hands last summer will soon be converted into residential accommodation.
Danny Conetta bought the Elme Hall Hotel in Emneth for around £1.9million through commercial real estate specialists Colliers last June.
At the time he said: “I am thrilled to be embarking on this fresh start for Elme Hall. I am dedicated to preserving its unique character while infusing it with a contemporary vision.
“I knew it was a fantastic opportunity that we couldn’t pass up. I’m planning to create a vibrant community of high-quality rental accommodation for young professionals wanting to live in the area and support the local economy.”
Now he has submitted a planning application to convert the hotel and ballroom into 24 flats.
The application to West Norfolk Council says the main building is showing “serious signs of decay and becoming an unsightly proposition upon entry to Wisbech”.
The main hotel hasn’t been open to the public for some time and its business has suffered due to competition locally from within the industry and the impact of the pandemic.
It is formed in two buildings. The main building, with its Georgian-style facade, has eight guest bedrooms, a galleried ballroom with a capacity of up to 350 people, a bar, and a restaurant.
The remainder of the 34 guest rooms were located in a two-storey detached block, of which a planning statement submitted in support of Mr Conetta’s application says a large number are being successfully rented out.
It adds: “With the main building showing serious signs of decay and becoming an unsightly proposition upon the entry to Wisbech, coupled with the success of his motel conversion, the client has decided to act. This application therefore seeks approval to convert the hotel to 24 residential units.”
The new proposal is for internal alterations to the building to create 24 rooms which would be a mix of one and two-beds with mobility-friendly accommodation on the ground floor and will leave the external appearance largely unchanged.
The link between the main building and the ballroom section will be removed to allow for a more practical layout in both areas.
The statement adds an original application was refused for being contrary to planning policies and says: “The main building of Elme Hall Hotel has not been open to the public as a hotel for a sustained period of time.
“In recent times before closing, trade had most recently arisen from contractors, however with the further 2 expansions of the Premier Inn 12 miles further along the A47, Elme Hall was unable to compete with the pricings and services offered.”
The application says CCTV will be installed in all communal areas and the property will be managed by local qualified letting agent. There will be an open garden space, which is also to be maintained, and benches and picnic tables.
