Major hotel group to build swimming pool at Scarborough site

​The Clarence Gardens Hotel at Blenheim Terrace in Scarborough is set to build an extension for a swimming pool and jacuzzi, and will convert part of its basement into a sauna and gym.

​Located in the town’s conservation area at Queens Parade, the “delightful boutique retreat combines timeless charm with modern comforts,” the hotel’s website boasts.

​The hotel is part of the “Signature Collection by Best Western” of the global BWH Hotels group.

​Yorkshire Hospitality Ltd’s plan for the 26-room hotel was given the green light by council planners after the scheme was amended.

​A single-storey extension with a roof lantern will be constructed at the rear of the hotel and will host the swimming pool and large jacuzzi facility, which aim to enhance the facilities offered to hotel guests, ensuring the building remains “competitive and attractive in the local hospitality market”.

​The conversion of the hotel’s basement flat will provide space for a gym, changing facilities, and a sauna for the hotel’s residents.

​While the layout of the hotel will be amended, the property will maintain all 26 bedrooms.

​Planning officers said they had no concerns about drainage from the site and noted that there would be no changes to the parking arrangements of the hotel.

​“There is not expected to be an increase in vehicle movements as a result of the development,” according to a planning report.

​The report notes: “Blenheim Terrace and North Marine Road form part of the area’s wide principal streets, lined with imposing Victorian and Georgian terraces orientated to take advantage of extensive views over the North Sea.

​“The locality is characterised by early to mid Victorian architecture, mainly of four storeys.”

​Officers said the development would not result in harm to the distinctive tourism character of the area and that by providing additional facilities, it “could be argued to contribute towards providing tourism facilities with less seasonal emphasis”.

​The planning application was approved by North Yorkshire Council, subject to conditions.