This is despite four objections from nearby residents, who raised concerns about privacy and parking at the venue and surrounding area among other issues.
Bude-Stratton Town Council also issued a strong objection to the proposals, saying they had ‘grave concerns’ for the impact that the proposals would have on nearby residents.
However, they later changed their response to agree with the recommendation of the Cornwall Council planning officer to approve the scheme, with the implementation and retention of an obscured balcony glazing in order to mitigate privacy concerns.
In its objection and later reversal, Bude-Stratton Town Council said: “Bude-Stratton Town Council strongly object to the application. It goes against Policy 16 (noise pollution) of the CLP. The committee had grave concerns for the impact on surrounding residents due to the balcony amenities. A noise management plan should be put in place. There was also concern re: the roof line and overlooking issues.”
After the initial objection in December 2022, the town council later added the following to their response on March 14, 2023, saying: “The Committee on this occasion have gone with option 1) agree with officer recommendations (to approve), with the implementation and retention in perpetuity for the obscured balcony glazing.”
One of the objections from a resident was from Mr Ian Viner, who told the Council that he was concerned about potential noise and parking, writing: “We would like to raise our concerns regarding the proposed application for a second floor extension and leisure amenity roof deck at the Kerenza Hotel, Bude.
“We are neighbours, the front of our property is next to the Kerenza, and our front windows and garden would be overlooked.
“Also, as proposed balconies and sundeck are open spaces, we are concerned about potential noise from these areas. Of particular concern would be the sundeck, which - I guess - would be used to accommodate parties of people and groups using the bar.
“Furthermore, although the height of the extension would not exceed the existing roofline we feel its close proximity would be obtrusive, possibly reducing light and definitely reducing privacy.
“Finally there is the issue of parking. Residential parking can be problematical at the best of times. Additional accommodation at the hotel would increase the need for guest/visitor parking making the issue worse, especially during the summer.”
Mr Alexander James echoed Mr Viner’s parking concerns, stating: “The hotel at the moment does not have parking for current amount of bedrooms.
“Due to the amount of holiday lets and air b&b in the Flexbury area where one or two or more cars turn up to use the forementioned lets etc. And workers from the town etc parking here it is virtually impossible for residents to park from March till October
“Unless the council gives resident only parking in some areas allowing more rooms in the hotel will just make the parking much worse.”
Cornwall Council granted the applicant, Mr Richard Turton of Kerenza Hotel, Flexbury Avenue, planning permission subject to an additional condition related to the obscuring of glazing on the balcony.
It stipulated: “Prior to the first use of any habitable room on the second floor hereby approved, the obscure glazed wrap-around balcony balustrades and screens on the north western elevation as shown on approved drawing numbers 2005-12M (PROP NW & SE ELEVATIONS (REV)) and 2005-13K (PROP SW & NE ELEVATIONS (REV)) shall be fitted with obscure glazing to at least Pilkington level 5 or equivalent. The obscure glazed wrap-around balcony balustrades and screens shall be permanently retained in that condition thereafter.
“Reason: In the interest of residential amenity and to protect the privacy of the occupants of the neighbouring dwellings and in accordance with Policy 12 of the Cornwall Local Plan 2010-2030.”