Hotel owner says business ‘not financially viable’ and plans to convert it to 18-bed HMO

The owners of a hotel wish to convert it into a 18-bed house of multiple occupation as it is ‘no longer financially viable’. Plans published this week by Bury Council reveal the Hawthorn Hotel on Stand Lane in Radcliffe could become ‘much needed additional accommodation in the area’, according to applicant Seif Taha.

A planning statement supporting the plans to change the use of the Hawthorn from hotel to residential cites ‘the impact that ‘Covid-19 and the recent
down turn in the economy has had on the hospitality sector over the last few years’. The statement, adds: “The proposal is based upon the building being no longer financially viable for hotel use, and follows the general trend for
commercial buildings such as public houses and independent hotels seeking to move to the rental market.

“The principle behind the development is to retain the existing building, and to adapt it internally in the most appropriate and sensitive manner to
accommodate the HMO, and will be based largely on the existing layout of bedrooms within the hotel.

“The proposal conversion involves no alterations to the exterior structure of the building and preserves the footprint of the existing building with the addition of a single storey extension at the rear. “The development will provide much needed additional accommodation in the area due the lack of use of the hotel rooms.

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“The proposed rooms are for sole occupancy only.” The application states there is an on street car parking bay at the front of the building for eight vehicles and an on site car park at the rear for six vehicles.

The area is locally known as Chapel Field and the hotel is between