Hotel rooftop terrace plan refused for second time

The proposed terrace would have had space for 60 people

Plans for a rooftop terrace with views of Lincoln Cathedral have been turned down for a second time.

The White Hart hotel sought approval for its latest proposals after an almost identical application was refused in January.

The hotel said it would offer the "wow factor" and draw more investment into the city.

However, City of Lincoln Council's planning committee refused to grant permission, with one councillor comparing it to a "glowing box" in the sky which would ruin the area's tranquillity.

The terrace would have space for up to 60 people and be surrounded by a 5ft-high (1.5m) frosted glass wall.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, despite backing from business groups, councillors sided with concerns from heritage bodies.

Liberal Democrat councillor Martin Christopher said: "It could inflict permanent damage to this profound historic space.

"The tranquil silence you can find here at night is a wonderful thing, and the idea of 60 people revelling overhead worries me."

He added: "I worry that at night, it will be a glowing square box in the heart of the city."

As part of the proposal the hotel's owner promised to open it to the public for an hour, ten days a month.

Lincoln Business Improvement Group and the University of Lincoln had expressed support for the application.

Independent councillor Biff Bean said the terrace would "benefit locals and tourists for many years to come".

He added: "You currently have to pay for the castle walls – you would get a better view for free at the White Hart."

The plan was rejected by seven votes to two.

The White Hart has appealed against the original application refusal, which is currently being reviewed by the government's Planning Inspectorate.

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