Hotel management issues statement over application to extend historic town landmark

Yahoo

05-05-2025

A PLANNING application submitted to Dudley Council to extend a historic hotel in Stourbridge Town Centre and repurpose its conference room into new bedrooms has sparked controversy since its submission.
The owners of The Talbot Hotel on Stourbridge High Street are seeking planning permission from Dudley Council to build two rear extensions and divide the conference room, more commonly known as the ballroom, to create 10 additional bedrooms.
The hotel was bought by Birmingham-based hospitality operators, Rosevine Ltd, at the end of 2024, with the new owners looking to revamp the hotel with two rear extensions and internal alterations, submitting plans on March 18.
The Grade II listed building dates back to the 1600s, with the application having attracted strong criticism from over 100 objectors, including the town's MP and local councillors.
Cllr Andrew Tromans said: 'In my role as an elected representative for Stourbridge Town, I have objected to the planning applications submitted to make significant alterations to the Grade II-listed Talbot Hotel.
'I do not believe that they would be of benefit for our town.'
'If these applications are not thrown out, I have signalled my intention to speak against them at a future planning meeting.'
Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles added: 'The Talbot Hotel is one of the oldest buildings in Stourbridge and is deservedly well loved by many of our residents here, me included, not just as an MP but as someone who has grown up in this area my entire life.
'The Talbot standing tall on our high street feels ingrained in Stourbridge's identity.'
She continued: 'As Member of Parliament for Stourbridge, I have been very clear and consistent on just how much the heritage of our constituency is something we deserve to be proud of and therefore warrants protecting and respecting.
'I think the overwhelming support for the video I put out on social media is evidence of the fact that The Talbot is a part of that heritage.
'Therefore, any significant changes, and the potential knock-on effects of them, will be relevant to all of us in the community here, who still frequent the high street and recognise the importance of buildings like this in our area.'
The historic grade II listed building is an iconic feature of the high street (Image: Bev Holder / Newsquest) Concerns have been raised that 'irreparable damage' could be done if Dudley Council planners give their approval, with the proposed alterations impacting the historical character of the building.
There have also been fears that, should this application be approved, the owners will seek to apply for a change of use to operate The Talbot as an HMO.
In her objection, Cat Eccles MP said: '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.
'The location of the hotel makes it totally unsuitable for an HMO, and there is vast amounts of evidence locally showing that large unmanaged HMOs cause issues within the area.'
The application submitted by Birmingham-based AP Architects does not mention anything that explicitly states an intention to change the hotel into an HMO, with the architects also claiming their designs are in keeping with the existing building and would not detract from its heritage assets.
There have also been unsubstantiated rumours circulating that, if it were to become an HMO, the hotel could be used to house migrants.
Cllr Tromams has said the hotel is not currently being used to house asylum seekers and has urged people to avoid repeating rumours that have not been proven.
He said: 'I have been alarmed by the speculation that the hotel is being used as temporary accommodation for migrants and have spoken to the relevant authorities, who confirmed this is not the case.
'The planning applications for the Talbot Hotel will be scrutinised through the proper process, but I urge calm.
'We need to deal with this issue on the basis of facts, not fear. Please do your part by not repeating unsubstantiated rumours.'
A spokesperson for The Talbot Hotel's management told the Stourbridge News that the application to build more rooms is to meet demand for extra bookings and has nothing to do with plans for an HMO.
The spokesperson said: 'We operate as a commercial hotel with guests largely coming via Booking.com, Expedia, etc, and public walk-ins.
'Currently, there is a requirement for extra rooms, hence the application to extend the Talbot Hotel.
'Seven extra rooms have been applied for as well as extra space to cater for the hotel's own laundry requirements, such as for bed linen and towels and storage of linen, which is currently outsourced due to limited space.
'Reconfiguration is also required to modernise and redesign the bar and restaurant area for our guests, mostly just moving the toilets away from the frontage of the high street to create open space there.
'The planning application is all in line with our business plan for a commercial hotel.
'I don't know what 'HMO' has got to do with this planning application.
'Also, last Friday (meaning April 25), we had an on-site meeting with the local MP and councillor, who were satisfied with what we are doing and what the planning application is for.'
The relevant applications P25/0222 and P25/0223 are available to view on the council's planning portal.