Banqueting hall developers drop hotel proposals
Plans for a new hotel next to a banqueting hall in Wolverhampton have been dropped after the owners decided to use the land for additional car parking space instead.
The Rose Garden Banqueting Hall, on Parkfield Road near the junction of Dudley Road, was granted approval last year and has since been completed.
Now, planners are set to discuss an amendment to the initial application, removing the proposed hotel development from the approved scheme and replacing it with extra car parking.
The amended application, which will be discussed by the council on Tuesday, November 16, also includes alterations to the hall’s internal layout to provide storage above the existing first floor reception area and an additional smaller function hall, also on the first floor.
In a report to members, planning officer Tracey Homfray said: "This was a former car dealership, which has recently been developed in line with part of the planning application for a hotel and banqueting suite and associated car parking.
"The banqueting suite and car park have been completed.
"The proposal is for an amendment to the approved plans to remove the hotel element from the proposal, replacing it with an additional 24 parking spaces, bringing the total to 161.
"The application also wishes to chamge the operational times of the banqueting hall from 10am to 11pm to 8.30am to 11pm."
A letter sent to the council from residents living opposite the venue in Goldthorn Court raised some initial concerns following the opening of the hall regarding traffic access and noise on the car park.
It said: "To summarise and in honesty and fairness, since the opening of the venue, traffic and its associated congestion has increased significantly, and one major incident has occurred requiring police intervention.
"However, in general, the noise has been bearable and the parking issues are being dealt with accordingly.
"Rose Garden management seem very keen to work with local residents and us property owners to allay our concerns.
"These are the observations we wish to bring to your attention."
The planning report added: "The venue has been running for the last couple of months following the issue of a licence for the amendments proposed.
"It is my understanding that the development was significantly affected by and during the Covid-19 pandemic, not only with the build but also the usage.
Ms Homfrey said: "Due to the pandemic and many of its restrictions, development was delayed and there was little interest in using the venue, due to restricted numbers being able to meet in one place.
"This meant that the size of the venue for such small groups would not be financially viable in the main hall at ground floor.
"Therefore, a smaller hall was accommodated to the upper floor, which was ideal for smaller groups being able to hire the venue.
"There appears to be a good relationship between the venue organisers and neighbouring residents, and they are keen to address any concerns promptly to keep disturbance to a minimum."
