Premier Inn has been granted planning permission to extend its Holes Bay hotel in Poole, adding 17 new bedrooms and a revamped restaurant with outdoor seating. The development, approved by BCP Council, marks the fifth extension to the building since it was originally constructed in 1996.
The hotel, located on Sterte Avenue, currently has 146 bedrooms alongside an adjoining restaurant. Under the approved plans, the existing restaurant will be demolished and replaced with a new extension housing a restaurant and bar, guest rooms, and staff facilities. The new restaurant will feature outdoor seating beneath a canopy, with direct access from the reception area.
Details of the Extension
The extension will include five new ground-floor bedrooms and a further 12 on the first floor, accessible via a new corridor linking to the reception. A design and access statement submitted with the plans argues the extension is essential for "helping to secure its future and enabling it to continually support the local economy and provide important services to its customers."
The Society of Poole has voiced its support for the expansion, while BCP Public Health has put forward recommendations regarding improvements to cycle storage, lighting, and electric vehicle charging facilities. The hotel currently employs 33 staff members, equivalent to 23 full-time positions, and the expansion is confirmed to increase each figure by two.
Conditions and Environmental Measures
The approval comes with a series of conditions that must be satisfied before any work begins. These include investigations into potential land contamination, securing nutrient mitigation credits to safeguard Poole Harbour, and obtaining council sign-off on drainage, flood management, and biodiversity proposals.
Additionally, the plan requires the installation of four new bat boxes, the protection of existing trees throughout the construction period, and a commitment to habitat management and landscaping for at least 30 years. Evidence must also be submitted demonstrating that a minimum of 20 per cent of anticipated energy consumption is drawn from on-site renewable sources.
Operational Impact and Timeline
The restaurant will cater exclusively to hotel guests, ensuring adequate parking provision remains available. Work must begin within three years of planning permission being granted, and the expansion is expected to enhance the hotel's capacity and services, supporting its role in the local economy.
