Plans for four-star riverside hotel fall through

Plans for a four-star hotel on the site of a council-owned car park in Staines will now not progress, Spelthorne Borough Council says

Plans for a riverside four-star hotel in Surrey have fallen through after the council decided that the project was "no longer practical".

Spelthorne Borough Council had been working with Arora Group to agree plans to regenerate the land under Bridge Street car park in Staines, which would include developing the hotel.

But the council has now said it has agreed to terminate the lease for the site, subject to approval at a full council meeting in October.

Joanne Sexton, leader of the council, cited the upcoming reorganisation of local government as a driving factor in the decision.

She said: "While this was a difficult decision, it reflects our responsibility to adapt to new priorities and the reorganisation of local government means we must reassess what is right for Staines.

"We remain committed to creating a vibrant future for the town and will work closely with the community as we plan the next steps for this important site."

Under the original plans signed in February, Arora had agreed to lease the site to develop the site of the car park and neighbouring Hanover House.

The development would have included creating a four-star hotel by the side of the River Thames.

Arora declined to comment on the decision.

A council spokesperson added that it would be continuing to look at future options for the site, which will continue to operate as a public car park in the meantime.

Local government reorganisation plans will see councils in Surrey disbanded and reformed into a number of unitary authorities as part of national government devolution plans.