PLANS to demolish Clacton’s Waverley Hall Hotel and replace it with a new £4million, three-storey Premier Inn have been given the green light.
The hotel, which was being run as a Comfort Inn, closed in November 2012 leaving a number of couples who had booked it for their wedding receptions in the lurch.
It was shut after going into administration for health and safety reasons.
The site was bought by Premier Inn owners Whitbread from the receiver and Tendring Council has now given blueprints for a new 66-room hotel the go-ahead.
Some residents opposed the plans, saying it would mean the loss of the Waverley Hotel, which dates from 1878.
But Clacton Local History Society said the building, which was originally a school, was of little value and would have become an eyesore.
Whitbread’s John Bates said: ‘We are delighted to have been granted planning permission.
“The new hotel will be an asset for the town, representing a significant £4million investment in the local area.
“The new hotel will generate approximately 25 new jobs and, from our previous experience with other sites around the country, is likely to draw new visitors to the town."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article