Back to drawing board for spa plans

Plans for a multi-million redevelopment of an historic South Staffordshire hotel have been withdrawn, it was announced today.

Dunsley Hall Hotel, in Kinver, is due to undergo a £5million transformation to create a new five-star venue in time for the 2012 Olympics.

The hotel is to be expanded to enable it to welcome more guests and offer spa treatments.

But English Heritage has asked owners Terrie and Wilf Beardsmore to go back to the drawing board with the proposals due to fears the development would not be in keeping with the grade II listed building.

They have been having regular meetings with heritage bosses and planning officers at South Staffordshire Council.

Mrs Beardsmore said: "Having submitting the plans and after many long talks with the planning department we have decided to withdraw the application and re-design the proposed development to the rear of the hall.

"Dunsley Hall is a Grade II listed building and is seen as one of the most important buildings in Staffordshire. We want to work with the planners and English Heritage on the design's impact on the hall so, feel it's best to go back to the drawing board.

"We as a family which includes all our staff, have the Hall's future at heart and want this to succeed as one of the most luxurious hotel and spa venues in South Staffordshire."

She added the couple had been inundated with letters of support and phone calls from guests who welcomed the expansion plans.

The hotel and restaurant complex will have its banquetting and conferencing space extended with the creation of 24 extra bedrooms, as part of the proposals.

A new spa area is to be landscaped to the rear of the hotel.

Mr and Mrs Beardsmore bought the dilapidated Dunsley Hall, then a private residence, in 2006. Since opening in 2007, the hotel in Dunsley Road, has welcomed guests from Europe, America, Japan and Australia.

As part of the plans, submitted to South Staffordshire Council, a private cinema, jacuzzis and luxury suites will also be built. More than 70 people are employed there.