North Devon Council has approved a £1.6m restoration of the former Fortescue Arms Hotel in Woolacombe, with revised plans that reduce the scale of a proposed extension following objections about overdevelopment.
Scaled-back plans address concerns
The original proposal for the site, to be rebranded as the Woolacombe Hill Hotel, included a four-storey extension with 16 additional guest rooms. However, this has been trimmed to eight rooms within a three-storey extension to better complement the existing building, according to planning documents submitted to the council.
The current car park has also been redesigned to address objections regarding insufficient parking provision. Concerns had been raised that a lack of on-site parking for additional guests and staff would push vehicles onto neighbouring roads.
Objections and approval
Fifteen letters of objection to the original scheme, submitted by The Royal Britannia Hotel in Ilfracombe, were lodged with North Devon Council. The revised proposals have since been granted approval by the council's planning officers under delegated powers.
Richard Wheeler, who has owned the Royal Britannia Hotel for 18 years and also holds the Harbour Lights Hotel and the Grand Harbour Hotel in Ilfracombe, purchased the rundown pub in 2024 for an undisclosed sum, following its sudden closure the previous year.
Historic building and extension details
Built in the 1890s, the hotel occupies an elevated position with views across Woolacombe Bay and currently comprises nine en-suite rooms and two apartments for owner's accommodation, though it remains in a considerable state of disrepair.
The extension will be situated within the hotel's existing courtyard, nestled between the original structure and the kitchen and function room, making effective use of the space while preserving functional links to the current facilities, according to planning documents submitted to North Devon Council. It was designed to "integrate seamlessly" with the existing building. The lower ground floor would be designated for storage, while the upper two floors would house the new guest rooms.
Planning officers' assessment
Planning officers noted that the extension would be "subservient" to the main building and would not be of any "significant detriment" to the character and appearance of the local area, with the renovation representing "an enhancement". Owing to intervening development and the positioning of the extension, it would not be particularly visible on approach along Woolacombe Station Road, they added.
The approved plans also encompass a first floor extension, roof alterations, landscaping and other associated works.
As a condition of approval, the council has stipulated that 1.8 metre high screening be installed to shield residents of Fortescue Cottages, near the northern boundary of the site, from privacy concerns associated with use of the roof terrace.
Mr Wheeler says he plans to include a Sunday carvery with his new food offering when the hotel is reopened.
