Hotel’s new extension to create function room will ‘further enhance grand building’

A seaside hotel’s extension plans have been approved by councillors. Brockley Hall hotel and restaurant, in Glenside, Saltburn, applied for permission from Redcar and Cleveland Council for a single storey extension in order to create a new function room.

The application was green lit at a meeting of the council’s regulatory committee which met last week. Plans described the extension being to the west facing side elevation of the property, extending into a side lawn area, including windows and a set of bi-fold doors with two stone feature panels, and also incorporating outside decking.

The hotel owner said the aim was to create a larger space for functions since the internal configuration of the hotel limited the number of guests that could currently be accommodated. A design and heritage statement produced by Heather Garcia on behalf of the hotel, said it was a “unique boutique hotel” with 30 en-suite rooms, with restaurant, brasserie and bar facilities.

The statement said: “This latest development of the hotel facilities will further enhance this grand building and increase enjoyment of [its] guests. The project will bring further revenue into the town and provide quality facilities, which are lacking, and will complement the resurgence of Saltburn as a seaside resort visitor attraction.”

Brockley Hall is within a designated conservation area. Six comments were received by the local planning authority, which complained about the proposed design of the extension, stating a planned roof covering was “unacceptable”, while windows and doors were “unsympathetic”.

Meanwhile, the council’s own conservation advisor, had also expressed concern, stating: “Whilst faced with brick, the application describes plastic windows, doors, fascias and soffits topped with an artificial slate roof, combined in an entirely modern design. The overall impression is of a building that fails to complement Brockley Hall and also fails to reflect the character of its surroundings.”

A council officer’s report, which included the recommendation the scheme be granted planning permission, said the roof/window/elevation details had been amended and revisions made. It said: “The original objections from the conservation officer are noted and the officer has been involved with discussions on the amended scheme.

“The revised scheme has improved the external appearance of the extension and included detailing and designs to reflect the character of the conservation area and Brockley Hall itself.”

The report said: “Subject to conditions, the revised scheme is now, in the main, one that is considered acceptable and which would accord with [policy in the] Local Plan.”

It said the new extension would not be highly visible from the street due to existing boundary vegetation and the proposal would not have an adverse impact on the street scene.

Noise was another issue raised by some residents who said the new function room would be too close to surrounding properties. A noise management plan accompanying the application said it would “improve the existing situation by relocating entertainment into a contained, acoustically treated environment”.

It also described how “calibrated limiters” would be fitted to the sound system used and sound checks carried out before and during events to ensure levels remained within acceptable limits

The report said information submitted by the hotel in relation to noise mitigation measures was satisfactory, taking into account the existing use already allowed functions to take place, both within the building and the grounds. It deemed the plans would “not have a significant adverse impact” on the amenity of occupiers of existing buildings.

Brockley Hall was first built in 1875 as a private residence and later became a retreat for visitors engaging in Christian endeavours before eventually closing in 2014, prior to its transformation into a hotel.

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