Hotel plan by Duke is facing rejection

Oct 18 2007 by Dave Black, The Journal

A BID by the Duke of Northumberland to build a major new hotel for visitors to his ancestral home town could be scuppered by council planners next week.

The Duke’s business wing, Northumberland Estates, has joined forces with leisure chain Sir John Fitzgerald on the scheme for a high-quality 54-bedroom hotel and pub/restaurant just off the A1 on the southern outskirts of Alnwick.

It is claimed the hotel – which could be extended to 80 bedrooms in a second phase – will create between 50 and 100 jobs and provide much-needed accommodation for the tourists who visit local attractions such as Alnwick Castle and the Duchess’s Alnwick Garden.

The proposed site for the hotel and 108-space car park is at Greensfield Moor, next to the Alnwick to Shilbottle road, and is part of the new Cawledge Business Park, where office units are currently being built.

Next week, Alnwick District Council’s development committee will be recommended by planning officers to reject the joint application – despite outline permission being granted for a hotel on the same site in 2004.

Officers say there is “grave concern” about giving the scheme the green light on land earmarked for development as a high quality office and business park.

They also say the applicants have failed to properly consider alternative sites closer to Alnwick town centre.

Yesterday Colin Barnes, planning and development director with Northumberland Estates, said he was amazed at the officers’ recommendation, and hoped that councillors would look at the bigger picture and the importance of the project for the local tourism industry.

“The operator needs this particular site and its proximity to the A1 because of the passing trade, and if the development doesn’t go there, then it will probably go to another district. We hope the members of the committee have a wider perspective and understand the importance of tourism, but the decision is for them to make.”

A report to Tuesday’s meeting says the Alnwick Strategic Employment Site study of 2004, undertaken in conjunction with Northumberland Estates, identified Greensfield Moor as a site for a high quality office and business park.

It says there are grave concerns that allowing the hotel development would have an adverse impact on the district’s supply of employment land. In addition, the applicants have failed to demonstrate that there are no more suitable sites for the hotel closer to the town centre.

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Duke plants tree on society’s anniversary

A CEREMONIAL tree planting took place yesterday to mark the 125th anniversary of the Royal Forestry Society.

The Duke of Northumberland took part in the ceremony to celebrate the event, in the Abbey Grounds, Hexham yesterday.

The society was formed in 1882 by a group of nurserymen, foresters and land agents, who first met in Hallstile Bank in the town.

Planting a European walnut tree, the Duke said: “I am very pleased to help plant this lovely tree on behalf of the RFS, which does much to promote the appreciation, understanding and conservation of trees, woods and forests.”

Chairman of the RFS North-East division, William Salvin, added: “125 years is a short time for a tree but much longer for us mortals. I hope that future generations will enjoy the walnut being planted today and ensure that it thrives in its wonderful setting to provide a legacy for the next 125 years and hopefully beyond.”

Two plaques to mark previous trees planted by the society in 1932 and 1982 were also unveiled.

The president of the RFS, John Besent, also attended the event, along with vice-chairman of Tynedale Council, Brian Massey.

Coun Massey said: “I am delighted to accept into our care this fine specimen of a walnut tree from the society, which is a special addition to the already impressive collection of trees in the Abbey Grounds.”

The Royal Forestry Society has more than 4,000 members.