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Plans to build a new hotel in Hammersmith rejected

Plans to knock down a Hammersmith hotel, and replace it with a building twice the size have finally been scuppered.

The council first rejected plans to rebuild the Premier West Hotel in December 2002.

The then owner appealed against the decision, and before the matter went to court the building was sold.

Despite the change of ownership, there was still a chance the plan could go ahead.
That was until this month (11 February), when the planning inspector dismissed the appeal and said the development could not go ahead.

One of the major problems with the site was the management of the Whiskey Blue Club in the hotel's basement. Following complaints from residents the council withdrew permission for the club, and its entertainment licence.

Deputy for environment, Cllr Michael Cartwright, said: "This decision is great news for the council and local residents.

"For a long time we were all very concerned about the amount of noise and disturbance from the hotel - especially its nightclub. And when plans were made to demolish the hotel and build a new one of twice the size - including a new nightclub and restaurant - we acted in the interest of residents and rejected the plans.

"Despite the building being sold, there was still a risk this development could go ahead if the appeal was won. But the inspector has supported the decision of our expert planning officers and rejected this application."

The new owners, who took over the hotel late last year, have said they plan to update and modernise the hotel, while resolving past issues with local residents and the council.

February 27, 2004

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