A proposal to convert part of a west Norfolk hotel into housing has been approved unanimously by councillors - after being narrowly defeated six months ago. 

A planning application had been discussed by the borough council in May, which requested permission to convert a motel block on the grounds of Elme Hall Hotel - on the outskirts of Wisbech - into an HMO for up to 39 people. 

Councillors voted by eight votes to seven against the scheme, arguing it would damage the area’s tourism offering. 

But in a new application, the applicant said tourism had declined locally and it was no longer viable to run the block as motel accommodation. 

Wisbech Standard: The main building at Elme Hall Hotel, pictured, would not be converted under the plansThe main building at Elme Hall Hotel, pictured, would not be converted under the plans (Image: John Hocknell)

The fresh application was discussed at a planning committee meeting on Friday, November 18, at which independent councillor Jo Rust said the project would allow people “to afford a property, which is out of reach for too many people now”. 

She added: “The hotel has been in decline for a number of years.

“It doesn't present a very good picture of Wisbech, when you enter it. 

“So the fact that somebody’s willing to take it on and improve the look of it goes a long way for me.”