The Nicolas James Group acquired the former Savoy Hotel in Bournemouth, and sought planning permission for wide ranging redevelopment to support the relaunch as The Nici.
The Brief
Permission was sought for partial demolition, alterations and extensions to provide improved bedrooms, spa and fitness facilities, a restaurant with a terrace, a garden restaurant, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Our Approach
The existing car parking was substandard, with misshapen spaces and an awkward layout. The application presented an opportunity to regularise this, and a justification was made for a slight shortfall against the local parking standards on both this basis, and the highly sustainable location. Measures to encourage sustainable travel were also pursued, including cycle parking in excess of the required standard, and provision of land to facilitate a new Beryl Bike station and e-scooter hire for the public.
The highways officer maintained an objection due to parking provision being below standard, but the project team liaised closely with the planning officer who recommended approval in their committee report.
The Result
Planning permission was granted at committee, and works to the pool, spa and fitness facilities are complete and now in use. We are delighted to have helped NJG provide an attractive 5 star hotel in the heart of Bournemouth.