George Hotel Refurbishment Statement

Secretary to the Planning Committee, Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, Planning and Building Control Directorate, Murray House, Mont Havelock, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2SF

Dear Sir/Madam

Refurbishment of The George Hotel, Castletown

Further to PA 17/00571/GB in association with RB 17/00572/CON, this is a reduced/amended scope application that constitutes Phase 1 of the refurbishment program in accordance with Heron and Brearley's mission statement below: "Due to the difficult trading conditions within Castletown there has been no significant investment in the property over the last 10 years and we expect a considerable amount of unforeseen works will be required, due to the age of the property, in order to achieve 4 -star status. The windows in particular will need to be replaced, subject to approval from the conservation office. However, we believe that a careful and phased refurbishment of The George Hotel will attract new business and will also demonstrate renewed confidence in Castletown, complementing the regeneration in the town.

It is expected that Phase 1 will be completed by the beginning of the peak season at Easter and the site will be marketed and traded. This initial trading period will test the demand for the site and the facilities, and upon reviewing the business case, a decision will be made about creating the additional rooms proposed in subsequent phases.

Phasing development and reviewing its ongoing impact to the business is also an effective risk-mitigation strategy for investing in the refurbishment".

We appreciate that as a registered building the replacement of windows must be a last resort, however we believe this to be an essential part of the refurbishment programme required to achieve 4 star status. As you will see from the window schedule, we have limited replacement to hotel bedrooms only with all others simply refurbished/repaired as necessary.

It is apparent from the images of the proposed joinery contractor's previous work incorporated below, that as the new windows will replicate the existing in every way, albeit with double glazing instead of single glazing, the change will be barely noticeable.

Due to the continued occupation of the rooms by visitors we have been unable to gain access to Hotel Bedrooms 1-4 to complete the photographic survey in these areas, however their current condition and extent of works proposed is in keeping with elsewhere and accordingly would suggest we are required through a conditional approval to extend the photographic survey to cover those rooms prior to works commencing.

It is imperative that works commences in time for being completed in time to meet the start of the 2018 tourist season, and prompt approval of the scheme would therefore be welcomed.

Please advise as soon as possible should you have any queries.

Yours faithfully

Val Lloyd

Architecture in Mann