Plans for 'boutique' hotel with spa and restaurant near Southam given green light

A boutique 43-bed hotel complete with spa and restaurant has been approved in the grounds of Dallas Burston Polo Club on the outskirts of Southam.

Another hotel, with three times as many room, could also be given the green light after plans for that one were deferred along with an application for 100 caravan and campervan pitches.

The decisions were among five for the same Southam Road site considered by Stratford District Council’s planning committee this week (Wednesday December 16), a number of which prompted objections from Southam Town Council.

In addition to the hotel, on which work had already started, councillors approved a 20 self-contained rooms which would be used by both staff and guests, and 20 yurt-type structures which would be located in an arboretum and sculpture park.

Speaking at the meeting the applicant’s agent, Peter Frampton, explained that the polo ground was a major events venue in the area and catered for conferences, launches, celebratory and sporting events.

He added: “Lack of onsite accommodation impacts on both business and leisure tourism sectors.

"The requirement of patrons to leave the polo ground and return the next day is not efficient for business functions and raises corporate responsibility issues.

"Providing overnight accommodation avoids unnecessary trip movements taking place.

“The fundamental objective of the applicant with his massive personal investment in the polo grounds is to ensure that a wide range of accommodation is available to suit different tastes and prices.”

Although members of the committee approved three of the schemes, they had reservations over some of the designs.

The rear of the boutique hotel - which overlooks a public footpath - is currently painted black and was likened to a series of barns.

It prompted councillors to call for a condition stating that the building would be finished in the same render throughout.

And when it was revealed that the yurts were to have concrete bases and insulated steel frame walls, councillors questioned the definition.

Cllr Tony Dixon said: “My dictionary describes a yurt as a circular tent of felt or skins. I would describe these as round houses.”

And Cllr David Curtis added: “Really what we are looking at are breeze-block bungalows.”

Mr Frampton admitted that the type of structure might not please everyone, adding: “They are draped in canvas over walls to provide the insulation and quality of accommodation that is being provided.

"They are not the flappy canvas type yurt you may see - they are of an enhanced glamping style with a solid floor that gives insulation and solid walls with fixtures that include inside sanitation.

“A yurt has no statutory definition and if you were seeking an earthy yurt this is not for you.”