Aparthotel developer says dilapidated building won't house immigrants

A developer who wants to bring a dilapidated building in Grangemouth “back to its former glory” as a small hotel has stressed that it will not be used to house immigrants.

The property at 144 Bo’ness Road was formerly a hotel but has lain empty for many years, despite planning permission being granted previously for various uses including a private house, offices and flats.

The building is now classed as ‘abandoned’, but applicant Jan Cooper told members of Falkirk Council’s planning committee that she has a track record of developing properties and would work with local tradespeople to revitalise the building as a six-bedroom ‘aparthotel’.

The application previously came to the committee in November, but members agreed to go and see the site for themselves before making a final decision.

Attending last week’s meeting online, Ms Cooper told members that she had bought the property last April with the aim of “restoring this derelict property back to its former glory and creating an aparthotel style business.”

She added: “From the outside, this building looks usable, but as the council members will have seen from their recent visit, the inside is completely stripped back to the bare wall, flooring and exposed brickwork.

“Therefore, I am conscious that a lot of refurbishment is required and I am committed to bringing this property back to life.”

She assured members it would not be used as an HMO, nor would she contract with any government bodies “to house immigrants”.

She said: “I believe that was a potential concern for the locals and understandably so, given it’s been prevalent in the news over the past months across the UK.”

Ms Cooper told members that ‘aparthotels’ – individual rooms with self-catering facilities – are now “a popular choice for workers, businessmen and women and travellers alike”.

She added that she has spoken to a local business nearby has confirmed that there is a demand for this type of accommodation from contract workers and visitors to the area.

With just six rooms, she said that increased traffic would not be a problem and showed a short video that showed a car could access parking behind the building.

While there will be no reception, she said there “will always be 24/7 support” and she said she intends to employ local cleaners and maintenance staff who will attend on a day to day basis.

Councillor James Kerr said that while the community’s concerns had to be taken into account, he had been reassured by Ms Cooper’s presentation.

Planning permission was granted to renovate the building and use it as a hotel, with added conditions that mean guests cannot stay on the premises for more than 28 days in any calendar year.

The owner has also agreed to maintain a register of occupants, which will be available for inspection by the council on request.