'Unanimous' support for hotel chain's plan for Dorchester site
Premier Inn is planning a 100-bed hotel
Premier Inn has received unanimous support from town councillors for its 100-bed hotel planned for the centre of Dorchester.
But the development has yet to overcome problems which include the need to find a new route for drains.
A town planning meeting heard that one solution was share the road network drains, which highways officers are refusing, or to dig up South Street to lay a new drain.
An architect for Premier Inn told town councillors that digging up the main shopping street to lay a new drain was the last thing it wanted to do – but it would, if necessary.
Other concerns are that some guests will be dropped off in Trinity Street to walk down an alleyway to the side of the building – although after 6pm there would be nothing to stop guests arriving at the main entrance in the partly-pedestrianised South Street, something which town councillors oppose.
Town councillors heard that the schedule for the project is far from certain with an unknown period needed for an archaeological exploration of Roman remains following demolition of the existing building – but once that is completed the new hotel should take 18 months to build.
Cllr Fiona Kent-Ledger was among those who offered support for the project – praising the building design which she said would fit in well in the street and provide a boost to Dorchester’s economy.
“It’s a lovely design, set back it looks like two separate buildings and respects the architecture of the older buildings in the street,” she said.
The company has confirmed that it will keep its slightly smaller hotel at Brewery Square open offering visitors who use the chain with a choice.
Parent company, Whitbread, bought the town centre site, the former M&S store, in June last year and has since discovered concrete ‘cancer’ and asbestos in the building, re-affirming its decision to demolish and rebuild rather than attempt a conversion.
Cllr Stella Jones asked if was possible to have two entrances, or to switch the entrance to Trinity Street – but was told by architect Chris Dadds that every attempt had been made to achieve that but the difference in levels between the two streets made it an impossible option.
He said part of the development would be to resurface the alley, making it less steep, and to add lighting.
He promised the town council that the company would keep them informed as the project progressed – the next step being a planning decision by Dorset Council.
Cllr Molly Rennie asked the company to consider ways of avoiding trade vehicles trying to park in residential streets close to the town centre when the demolition and building work started – possibly by setting up a compound and sharing transport to and from the site.
“There could be chaos if the issue is not tackled early on,” she said.
Public comments on the application remain open until June 21st.