Hotel redevelopment plans refused for fifth time

The Buckingham Hotel building dates back to 1876

Proposals to demolish and redevelop a hotel in Buxton have been turned down for a fifth time.

High Peak Borough Council's planning committee refused a planning application to knock down the Buckingham Hotel in Burlington Road and build a 53-unit aparthotel on Monday.

According to planning documents, this is the fifth time proposals to redevelop the site have been refused since 2016, with an appeal against the council's decision in 2022 dismissed by a planning inspector.

A report prepared for the committee said the demolition of the existing building would "erode the historic interest" in the site as part of Buxton's heritage as a spa town and tourist destination.

The hotel is a large three-storey Victorian building dating back to 1876.

A decision notice issued by the council said the demolition of the hotel would be "harmful" to the character and appearance of the Buxton Central Conservation Area.

Documents submitted by the applicant state the proposed replacement building would be a "replica building" and the proposed aparthotel would consist of 48 studios and five one-bedroom apartments.

According to a report prepared for the committee, the plans received one comment of support which said the existing building was an "eyesore".

The proposals also received 12 comments objecting to the proposed redevelopment, with one stating it would be "totally inappropriate" to knock down a "beautiful" Victorian building.