'We would urge the applicant to withdraw this application': Conservation groups voice fears over plans to extend 395-year-old Stourbridge hotel

The Georgian Group has joined growing opposition to extension plans for the 395-year-old Talbot Hotel in Stourbridge.

More than 120 objections have now been lodged against plans by Rosevine Services Ltd two new extensions to the rear of the building, creating 10 extra bedrooms.

Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles has also objected, expressing fears that the landmark building could be converted into a hostel.

James Darwin of the Georgian Group  told Dudley Council planners he had concerns about plans to split the Windsor Room, now used as a conference room, into eight bedrooms.

"The finest room within the building is the Windsor Room on the first floor," he said, adding that its ceiling had been likened to work at Crewe Hall in Cheshire, also about 395 years old.

He said the alterations cumulatively had the potential to cause a considerable degree of harm to the Grade II listed building.  

"The proposed works are both poorly explained and justified," said Mr Darwin.

"We would urge the applicant to withdraw this application until such a time as the issues can be satisfactorily resolved. 

"If the applicant is unwilling to do so, then listed building consent and planning permission should be refused."

Benjamin Williscroft of Historic England said the changes would result in a 'significant degree of incremental alteration' and would cause harm to the building.

"There is a fine early 18th century staircase, where there are further concerns with regards to the likely fire safety requirements and installation of new electric and plumbing runs," he said.

"This could have significant impact upon the existing internal fabric of the building, that could involve harm to existing timber framing if not planned carefully. Historic England also has concerns with regards to the level of detail in terms of outlining potential harm to the significance of the existing listed building, especially with regards to internal fabric."

The Georgian Group and Historic England are both statutory consultees, whose views local authorities are obliged to take into account when deciding on applications to alter listed buildings.

Miss Eccles, who is also a member of Dudley Council, said Rosevine had a long history of turning hotels into 'houses of multiple occupation', and said that was clearly the intent in this case.

She said the Talbot was one of the oldest buildings in Stourbridge, and accused the owner of attempting to bypass its listed status to carve up the Windsor Room, which it described as a 'conference room' in the planning application.

"The whole building has many interesting and historically valuable features, including the faux Jacobean ceiling in the ballroom and the Mason’s stained glass window, and much more," she said.

"Not only is this an extremely historic and well-loved local building, I am fully aware of the history of the new owners turning hotels into HMOs.

"While this application does not state that explicitly, it is clear from the removal of the kitchen facilities, proposing a laundry and additional bedrooms, that this is their plan. 

"We should not be allowing underhand tactics like this which later result in a retrospective change of use application."

A statement issued on behalf of the applicant said the frontage of the building lay in the Stourbridge conservation area. But the rear of the hotel, which had been extended at various times in the past, lay outside the zone, and was simpler in design.

It said the alterations were sympathetic to the fabric of the building.

"Despite the current timber panelling not being original, it is preserved and retained a feature in the proposed bedrooms," said the statement.

"The existing fire surrounds will also remain a feature."

The hotel has had mixed fortunes in recent years. 

It had previously been run by New Horizons Ltd, which used it to provide temporary accommodation for vulnerable people, with their rooms paid for by the benefits system. But it attracted complaints about anti-social behaviour, and in April 2022 it closed suddenly, leaving its residents locked out without warning. 

New Horizons directors Joao Maia E Silva, 46, of Chipping Norton, and Shaun Melson, 57, of Brackley, Northamptonshire, were jailed for eight months each at Wolverhampton Crown Court after admitting they endangered life by not adhering to fire safety requirements.

The building was given a new lease of life later that year when it was taken over by Westbourne Leisure and manager Catherine Growcott, which renovated the building. It was then sold to Birmingham-based Rosevine last year, and Miss Growcott left, saying she did not share the new owner's vision for the future of the hotel. 

Rosevine said the hotel was in a town centre location which had good public transport links within walking distance

"Overall, it is considered that the proposed internal changes and rear extensions would be sympathetic to the character of the existing building and conservation area," the statement added. 

"They are modest in scale and their appearance in keeping with the look and feel of the building and surrounding context. Would not detract from the special qualities of the heritage assets nor adversely impact neighbouring buildings."

The proposals will now go before Dudley Council's planning department.