DESPITE being refused planning permission by Cornwall Council for a 70 bed Travelodge in Bude, developers are still confident of it going ahead.

The application for ERC Developments Limited, sought full planning permission and Conservation Area consent for the demolition of existing buildings and the development of the hotel, including bar and cafe, with associated car park and access works.

In early January, Bude-Stratton Town Council also raised objection to the planning proposal as part of the consultation process.

The application went before Cornwall Council’s Plans Committee on January 24.

Many of the reasons given were coherent to that of the town council, most notably about the design of the build. Part of the Plans Committee’s refusal stated: “The proposed development, by reason of its prominent corner plot position, scale, roof design, and the height, massing, and appearance of the Lansdown Road elevation, results in a contrived, discordant and overbearing form of development out of character with the intrinsic scale, rhythm and more pedestrian scale of properties along Lansdown Road.”

The hotel chain has been left frustrated by this decision, however it is committed to adhering to the necessary changes in order to get the permission.

Tony O’Brien, UK development director at Travelodge, said: “We are naturally disappointed that our application for a new Travelodge in Bude has been refused by Cornwall Council, particularly given the positive steps we took to address the main reason for refusal, which was the design of one elevation of the proposed building.

“However, we are encouraged that the principle of a new Travelodge on the proposed site is considered acceptable.

“With our development partner we remain committed to making a significant investment in Bude and will continue to engage with Cornwall Council and Bude Town Council in order to agree appropriate amendments to address this reason for refusal.”

There has been a mixed response from members of the public.

In agreement with the town and county councils, Brian Davis feared that it would take away from the character of the seaside town.

He contacted the Post with his opinion on the matter. He said: “It is with regret that should they get the permission it won’t have any architectural or compassionate climate change advantage or design here in Bude and would also need the major infrastructure changes that wont represent Bude its character nor the community and for what Bude has become over the last few years.”

Mr Davis was also concerned about the employment of staff at the hotel. He added: “Both of the designs already shown are of a typical large town or city design (far too many bedrooms), they say they will employ 24 locals? Where does that come from as most Travelodge’s are automative and Bude is only seasonal, so what happens to them in the winter months? Builders will come from far and wide under contracts.

“Maintenance workers will be on contract to Travel Lodge and will also come from far and wide.”

However, some reaction on social media was firmly in support of the Travelodge being built.

Simon Percival commented: “Not many full/ part time all year round jobs about... why refuse them?”

Similarly, Tim Ford was in support. He added: “Get it built.”

One member of the public commented on Cornwall Council’s decision to refuse the hotel but to allow additional houses to be built.

Helen Caradine said: “Refuse this but are giving the okay for more houses to be built but no jobs, schools, or dentist/ doctors — doesn’t make sense.”

The developers are able to appeal this decision by writing to the Secretary of State under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.