A PLAN to convert a Kidderminster hotel into 27 self-contained flats has been given the green light.

Last year, a planning application was submitted to change the use of the Gainsborough House Hotel, with proposals to convert it into flats.

The hotel has most recently been used to house asylum seekers. Wyre Forest District Council confirmed in October that the Home Office would stop using the hotel, located on Bewdley Hill, by the end of February 2024.

The planning statement highlights that the proposals are "driven to a great extent by the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the hotel trade." 

The statement said: "This has made the viability of the hotel debatable and it has been marketed unsuccessfully as a going concern. 

"This proposed new use is hoped to remedy the situation in finding an alternative use for the premises in order to ensure the long-term future of the listed building". 

Wyre Forest District Council's planning committee approved the planning application at a meeting this week.

Responding to the Home Office’s notification in October, Councillor Marcus Hart, leader of the Council said: “We welcome the Home Office’s decision to cease to use this hotel as accommodation for asylum seekers.

"We look forward to working with the Home Office and Serco, its contractors, to make sure that there is no impact on the Council as a result of the process of moving asylum seekers from the hotel to other accommodation that the Government uses for asylum seekers. I am pleased that the hotel will be able to be used for its proposed future use.”

“This district has a history of welcoming people of all nationalities, and we understand the need for asylum seekers to be appropriately housed while their claims are assessed".