Developer Pins Hopes On Revised Plan For Former Hotel Site

Published on: 15 Apr, 2014
Updated on: 15 Apr, 2014

The fate of the former Quinn’s Hotel in Epsom Road, Guildford could soon be decided with if a revised planning application by developer Shanly Homes gets the nod.  

Artist’s impression on how the development will look.

The new proposal seeks permission for a three-storey building of nine, two-bedroom apartments on the site of the former hotel on the corner of Epsom and Albury Roads. Following extensive consultation with Guildford Borough Council, Shanly Homes believes a scheme, which is both viable and architecturally suited to the area, has now been found.

Shanly Homes planning manager James Amos said: “Feedback from Guildford Borough Council has been very positive. It’s been a long journey and this is now our fourth revision but we are confident that both the council and, importantly, local people will see that we have done our upmost to incorporate feedback into these new designs.

“The new enhanced elevations capitalise on the site’s prominent position and the increased parking allocation will mean there is no adverse impact of on-street parking in neighbouring streets.

The house builder adds that to ensure the development has a positive effect on the immediate area, the proposed building will be constructed to a traditional design in keeping with the early to mid 20th-century designs of many of the neighbouring homes. Strong gable and bay features, including timber siding sash windows and traditional steeply pitched roofs are prevalent, while deep-pitched parapets with ridge lines will serve the dual purpose of disguising the small sections of flat roof and screening solar panels from view.

Ten per cent of the energy demands of the developments will be achieved from the panels. In answer to the criticisms from planning officers regarding the overall size, scale and mass of the building, Shanly Homes has reduced the overall footprint and has increased the separation with the Albury Road boundary.

The new design also ensures that there is no overshadowing to the neighbouring properties and that supplementary planting along the southeastern boundary will prevent overlooking.

The car park allocation has also been increased to 14, which equates to 1.5 spaces per unit in accordance with the council’s parking standards. The position of the refuse and cycle store has been changed to the rear of the site. The three mature trees at the front of the site will be retained and protected during the construction period.

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