PLANS to bring a budget hotel to Winchester High Street have been approved – despite objections from a major Winchester organisation.

The controversial proposals will see a 62-bedroom Travelodge in the heart of the city taking over a number of empty units.

The go-ahead follows changes to the scheme after criticism from a number of people and organisations, as well as Winchester City Council’s urban design officer.

But despite the alterations, the plans still drew criticism from the preservation watchdogs City of Winchester Trust.

The trust’s objection stated: “The almost total lack of modelling causes a troubling out-of-character blandness. On the High Street elevation there are no cornices or string courses, no distinctive parapet detail and no robust window surrounds, all of which would provide subtle shadow lines.

“In Market Street there is also a puzzling lack of emphasis at the hotel entrance, especially in comparison with the Wessex on the other side of the road. This does not mean that such features have to copy traditional detailing; in the past, whatever the period, skilled devices were incorporated into the prevailing style to provide a degree of interest and coherence that is so lacking in this proposal.

“The trust therefore continues to object to this application.”

Urban design officer Dr Hatem Nabih has not commented on the application since the plans were amended, but had previously said: “The proposed height would make the building incoherent with the context of Market Lane and expose the large roof and plant areas, making them prominent and visible from distant views.

“The application therefore does not respond positively to the character and context of its locality.”

Concerns were also raised about the lack of addition parking included in the scheme, but a transport statement, produced by consultants CampbellReith on behalf of applicants The London Borough of Southwark Pension Fund, felt it was not needed.

They said: “This is considered appropriate due to the site’s accessibility to public transport and local facilities.

“Staff cycle storage will be provided within the service areas, while the hotel visitors’ parking will be provided along the frontage. It is recognised that the hotel guests might travel by car to stay in the city. Winchester has a number of local car parks located in and around city centre.”

Despite the objections, the plans were approved by a planning officer, rather than being sent to a councillor-based planning committee that is often used to decide more controversial and large-scale proposals.

As previously reported, the new hotel will occupy the floors above the former Next store, next to Rick Stein’s upmarket restaurant and Debenhams, and a short walk from the cathedral and Winchester Guildhall.

The site, which has remained empty since Next left last June, would undergo extensive redevelopment with ‘dramatic’ changes to the visual appearance.

The plans retain the ground floor as shops, with the hotel sitting above and access via a foyer in Market Lane.

Despite the specific criticisms, the idea of bringing a hotel to High Street received support, including from the City of Winchester Trust.

Catherine Turness, Winchester Business Improvement District’s (BID) executive director, also said: “Tourism research has suggested for some time that there has been a need for more hotel beds in Winchester and clearly the BID would encourage a facility that allows visitors to stay longer and spend more in city centre businesses.”

City councillor Fiona Mather added: “It could bring a bit of life back.”

l Do you support the new hotel coming to Winchester High Street? Write to letters@hampshirechronicle.co.uk.