Hotel revamp rejection 'blow to local economy'

The owner of a hotel that had a £65m site revamp bid rejected has said the decision is a "blow to the local economy".

Kingfisher Resorts released a statement after a planning inspector dismissed an appeal to redevelop Knoll House Hotel in Studland.

The developer had previously claimed renovating the hotel would provide £8.5m in benefits to the area and more than 230 jobs.

Inspector Hayden Bough-Jones said while he was in "no doubt" the site needed regeneration, the proposed design would damage the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

The hotel and resort chain said it was "incredibly surprised, disappointed, and frustrated by the planning appeal refusal".

Dorset Council previously refused planning permission for the redevelopment in January 2024.

Mr Bough-Jones' reasons refusal were similar to the authority's, including the impact it would have on the landscape, and the loss of mature trees on the site to make way for new buildings.

Kingfisher Resorts said: "We have spent years re-designing the original scheme to take on board everyone's views.

"This new scheme has attracted widespread support and approval and was publicly endorsed by a number of local bodies and individuals at the appeal hearing."

The statement said the business was now having to "consider our position carefully" and whether it would submit a revised application.

"This refusal is a real blow to the local economy, at a very challenging time, and to local residents and others who have been very supportive indeed to whom we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks," it added.

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