Latest news with #TalbotHotel
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Conservation and heritage groups have their say on historic hotel extension plan
NATIONAL conservation charities and heritage groups have had their say on a planning application submitted to Dudley Council detailing plans to extend an historic hotel in Stourbridge Town Centre, adding 10 additional rooms. The application submitted to the council to extend The Talbot Hotel in the High Street and repurpose its conference room into new bedrooms has sparked controversy since its submission on March 18. A planning, design, access and heritage statement, submitted by AP Architects on behalf of the Talbot Hotel, details plans to construct a two-story flat roof extension and a single story pitched roof extension at the back of the building, which in total would allow for seven extra bedrooms, a space for laundry storage and a boiler/plant room. The plans also request permission to divide the historic conference room to create two additional bedrooms and make internal alterations to the hotel's lobby and reception areas, the bar and its toilet facilities, including relocating the accessible toilet. 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. 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, Cat Eccles and local councillors including ward councillor, Andrew Tromans. Echoing the concerns of objectors, conservation charity The Georgian Group have submitted recommendations to the council saying the plans pose 'serious concerns'. Read more Hotel management issues statement over application to extend historic town landmark On behalf of the group, James Darwin said: 'These proposals cumulatively have the potential to cause a considerable degree of harm to the listed building. 'The proposed works are both poorly explained and justified, and thus fail to meet the minimum requirements set out by the Secretaries of State within the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework). 'The group is particularly concerned by the extremely poor standard of the information provided in support of this application and by its failure to adequately assess the impact of the proposed alterations on the significance of the listed building.' Historic England have also criticised the application, voicing concerns bout the 'level of detail' in terms of potential harm to the listed building that the applicant has included, and the degree of harm the alterations would cause overall. Benjamin Williscroft from the organisation said: 'Fenestrated with sash windows, [The Talbot] has a commanding presence within the streetscene, and makes a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area.' He continued: 'Overall, it is considered that these external and internal alterations, including two storey extensions to existing extensions and that to the conference room, would result in a significant degree of incremental alteration, and harm to the significance of the existing designated heritage asset, especially where the legibility of historic internal spaces would be compromised.' The building, which is mostly located within the Stourbridge High Street Conservation Area, has many historical features including original timber framing, red brickwork, timber sash windows and a 'good' 18th century staircase. The planning, design, access and heritage statement submitted by the application said that the proposals have been 'designed to be sympathetic and in-keeping with the character of the existing building', with the two rear extensions being designed to 'echo the aesthetic, forms and feature of the immediate host' and continue the form of the existing building, therefore 'minimising' the impact on neighbouring buildings. The Georgian Group and Historic England are both statutory consultees, whose views the council are obliged to take into account when deciding on applications to alter listed buildings. The relevant applications P25/0222 and P25/0223 are available to view on the council's planning portal and will go before Dudley Council Planners.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hotel management issues statement over application to extend historic town landmark
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 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.
Irish Daily Mirror
27-04-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
A weekend in Cork with your best friends is always a good idea
A weekend away with your girls is always a good idea — and when that weekend is in Cork, even better. Three weeks ago, myself and my two best friends packed up the car and headed south from Dublin for two days and nights in the Rebel County or, as the locals like to call it, the 'real capital'. Of course, as a Dubliner I vehemently refute even the joke in that — but I will never deny that Cork is one of the most beautiful counties in Ireland. From the harbour town of Cobh to the colourful Kinsale and popular tourist villages of Blarney and Clonakilty, a journey through Cork has a little bit of everything — from cosy country pubs to a bustling night life if you head into Cork city. On our visit, we were heading first to Ballincollig and then onto Midleton, just 30 minutes' away by car and probably best known for being home to the Midleton Distillery — a major producer of Irish whiskey. From Dublin, the journey to Ballincollig takes around three hours — though, top tip, if you carpool with a group of chatty friends, this will feel far shorter — and is pretty much a straight run on the motorway for most of that time. A not-too-unexpected traffic jam of a Friday afternoon took us off course for a section of the journey but by the time we got to the Talbot Hotel in Ballincollig — formerly the Oriel Park Hotel — we had made it in about three hours and 10 minutes. The Talbot Collection has eight 4-star hotels around Ireland, in Wexford, Cork, Dublin, Carlow and Tipperary. I have previously stayed in the Talbot Hotel Wexford, which was the sixth addition to the collection, as well as its sister suites, the Talbot Suites at Stonebridge, comprising of 69 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Both the hotel itself and the self-catering apartments in Wexford are extremely impressive so when the chance arose to check out the newest additions to the Talbot Collection, I jumped at it. The takeover is relatively new so both the Talbot in Ballincollig as well as the one in Midleton are still undergoing refurbishments and tinkering and tweaking, with the Midleton ( formerly the Midleton Park Hotel, closer to the finished product. A stay here is everything you need for a great night out in Midleton. The Park 89 Bar & Bistro was buzzing of a Saturday night, with a live singer keeping guests and walk-ins entertained. The food is also exceptional — the goat's cheese salad for starters is a must while I'd highly recommend the roast beef for your main. Just don't expect to have much room left for dessert — the portions are extremely generous and the slabs of beef so delicious you won't stop eating, even when you're bursting at the seams. If you do manage to leave room for dessert, the sticky toffee pudding should be high up on your list. In the Talbot in Ballincollig, meanwhile, there's only one dessert to try — the chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream. Simply put, this is perfection. As is the deep fried brie starter. The Talbot Ballincollig is also within walking distance of a great bar in Tradehouse Central Bar & Kitchen — a modern hotspot serving up live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. While this is the place to be at weekends in Ballincollig, in Midleton, there's no need to leave the hotel for a great night. The stylish and intimate Park 89 Bar is awash with people and abuzz with activity. And despite being packed to the rafters on the night we ate there, the restaurant staff were on the ball, the bar staff were engaging and friendly, despite being under tremendous pressure and the cocktails were second-to-none. I cannot recommend dining here enough. In the Talbot Ballincollig, meanwhile, I'd recommend visiting the leisure centre which boasts a fully-equipped gym — though we didn't use this! — as well as a 25m swimming pool with separate children's pool, an infinity resistance pool, spa jet stations, an eight-seater Jacuzzi, steamroom and sauna and an indoor relaxation area — all of which we used after a night out in Tradehouse! During the day, it's well worth hopping in the car and exploring what the rest of Cork has to offer — Cobh is just a 30-minute drive from Ballincollig and on a sunny day there are few better places in Cork to spend an afternoon. Grab an ice cream and sit on the waterfront. On a duller day, which is more likely, head to the Titanic Experience ( located in the historic White Star Line Building — the very place from where Titanic's last passengers departed. For kids, a trip out to Fota Wildlife Park, which is one of Ireland's top 10 visitor attractions, is a must. At Fota, wherever possible, the park have chosen animals that thrive in a free-range environment, which allows them to roam free and mix with visitors. For adults, The Maple Leaf in Midleton is a great little boozer, buzzing on the afternoon we visited with the Aintree Grand National on the telly. After another terrific weekend in the Rebel County, you can certainly bet on my return.
Sunday World
23-04-2025
- Business
- Sunday World
Wexford tourism shoots down Conor McGregor's ‘damaging' claims there are no hotels
'And our tourism providers are dedicated to welcoming guests year-round' The General Manager of the Talbot Hotel in Wexford has dismissed 'misleading' claims by Conor McGregor that there are no hotels in the county as they are 'all transferred into IPAS'. The MMA fighter made the claim in a widely-watched online interview with the former Fox News host Tucker Carlson that there are no hotels available in Wexford as they are being used to accommodate international protection applicants. During a conversation about his visit to the Oval Office for St Patrick's Day, McGregor said Wexford was known as the sunny south-east. 'Now, no more,' McGregor said. Instead, McGregor used it as one of a number of opportunities to address his perception of Ireland's migration crisis. 'There is (sic) no hotels available in Wexford,' he claimed. 'They're all transferred into IPAS, which are international protection applicant services. It's this racket where they're all getting housed.' Quick searches by fact-checkers, however, confirmed there were many hotel rooms available to book even as the interview aired. Conor McGregor Conor McGregor talks presidential run in interview with controversial US host Tucker Carlson And, calling the claims 'misleading' and 'damaging' to local businesses, Robert Miller, General Manager of the Talbot Hotel and spokesperson for Visit Wexford, told South East Radio: 'Wexford is open for tourism.' 'We have over 240 accommodation offerings – from hotels and guesthouses to B&Bs and self-catering stays – and a strong midweek and weekend trade,' he said. The radio station reports how Miller used real-time data sourced from booking platforms to prove that Wexford currently has a 58% average occupancy rate, just slightly below the national figure of 61%. He also highlighted the diverse accommodation available, from the Talbot Hotel in Wexford Town to the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey and the Brandon House Hotel in New Ross. Miller acknowledged that while some hotels in Wexford have entered into agreements with the State to house asylum seekers, he pointed out that these make up a minority of the county's accommodation capacity. 'Wexford is not full,' he said. 'And our tourism providers are dedicated to welcoming guests year-round.' Miller highlighted upcoming plans, including a Destination Experience Development Plan in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and Wexford County Council, that aimed at boosting sustainable tourism across the county. He also encouraged public engagement, inviting suggestions via Miller's comments follow those of Wexford Labour councillor Vicky Barron who told South East Radio News that Conor McGregor does not speak for her, or for her party. 'We need to call this out,' Cllr Barron told the station. 'Conor McGregor does not speak for me, nor does he speak for any member of the Labour Party. 'He misread a headline, obviously, and then created a completely false narrative about our hotels in Wexford. And for the record, let's get it on the record, Wexford has lots of accommodation. 'We have wonderful things to do here. We are a beautiful county. And you know what? We welcome everyone. We need to keep digging for the truth. We have to dig deep, especially when it gets buried under all the drama.'
