Demolition approved for arson hit hotel

Plans to knock down a derelict hotel to make way for 55 new homes have been approved.

Coventry city councillors voted unanimously in favour of the demolition of Allesley hotel, which has been empty since 2022.

A planning report concluded the hotel was "beyond repair" and that knocking it down would be the "most appropriate outcome."

Developers Avant Homes will now clear the site, parts of which date back to the 1800s, before building the two, three, four and five-bed houses and a three-storey apartment blocks containing one-bedroom flats.

The first plans for the site proposed more than 60 houses to be built, but those were changed after neighbours said the development would overlook their existing homes and reduce their privacy.

Within the planning report, a survey confirmed the building had been hit by at least three arson attacks and "extensive" vandalism.

Floors and stairs are rotting, walls and ceilings are damp and mouldy, rooms are filled with rubbish, and much of the building is damaged and failing, it said.

Allesley and Coundon Wedge Conservation Society (ACWCS) gave their support for the scheme, in a statement they said: "Not all of our members are in favour of the proposals but from feedback, the vast majority are.

"The demise of the hotel is well documented, and its current status is a derelict site, an eyesore and a health and safety concern following numerous acts of vandalism and arson attacks."

"Avant Homes, together with their architectural and planning consultants, engaged with ACWCS from the outset allowing us to have an input into their overall planning.

"ACWCS has been particularly impressed with their sensitivity to ensuring that the front facade blended in with the 'village scene' and more importantly that this was acceptable to immediate neighbouring properties. Allesley House has a significant history and we do not want this to be lost."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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