A total of 3 new flats will replace part of a family-run Isle of Wight hotel amid a declining number of overnight visitors to the Island.
Council officers have approved Lorraine Barrett’s application to convert a wing of the Lorron Hotel at 90 Sandown Road, Lake.
The proposed apartments include two two-bedroom units and another with one bedroom.
A Design and Access Statement prepared by Trade Plans said:
“The Lorron Hotel fits into a niche area of tourism – it only caters for school parties in normal times, and only operates for four months of the year.
“The business is not viable, with booking numbers down, but cannot be marketed as it is the only income stream the owner has, and also serves as their main dwelling.
“The owner is looking to take a more diverse approach to the site, taking into account the changing economy, and is looking to reduce the numbers of schoolchildren it caters for, but to still operate on a four-month basis.
“The proposal will convert some communal space serving as the bar area and eight of the hotel’s 16 bedrooms into self-contained dwellings.”
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Trade Plans added rental income would help with the upkeep of remaining hotel accommodation and enable a ‘major refurbishment’.
County Hall’s decision report on application 24/01592/FUL said:
“The number of overnight visitors coming to the Island is in decline.
“The number of overnight stays by those on holiday has dropped by a quarter since 2019 (Visit Isle of Wight).
“This is affecting the viability of hotels, particularly smaller establishments. The Lorren Hotel is used mainly for school trips but the season for these trips is limited.
“Converting part of the hotel into permanent accommodation would retain a base for schools albeit for smaller groups but would also allow investment into the hotel with improvements to the building and its facilities.”
Well would you come here with these boat prices.
The island is becoming a ghost town.
You’re not wrong Tiger! Pure greed of the ferry companies and it’s only going to get worse now. That and the addition of the cost of living, tourism hasn’t got a chance.