Green light for proposed 188-bed city hotel

Councillors voted in favour of proposals to build a Premier Inn hotel on the former Carpetright site in Layerthorpe, York.

The plans for the 188-hed hotel, which will also feature a bar, restaurant and 43 parking spaces, were discussed at the latest planning meeting of York City Council.

The current disused building on the land will be demolished and replaced by an L-shaped, four-storey hotel property.

Premier Inn already has a hotel in York, in Blossom Street. But the business has previously said there is more demand in York which cannot be met by its existing hotel which runs close to capacity.

Chris Argent, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said this would be a “great regeneration opportunity” for a vacant brownfield site.

“The existing building is unsightly and poor quality and does nothing for the streetscape,” he added. “It’s in a prominent and sustainable location and there are no third part objections.

“It would create 55 permanent new jobs and we have a contractor on board ready to go.”

He explained the application for the hotel was first submitted back in June 2020, with the plans also subject to 18 months worth of pre-application discussions.

Councillor James Barker said he was concerned the 43 parking spaces would not be enough for a hotel of this size.

Rachel Tyas, case officer for the application, responded that the applicant had submitted a travel plan detailing measures to encourage alternative modes of transport for guests.

And she said there are three other car parks nearby which are available for overnight parking.

All 14 members of the planning committee voted in favour of the application.