Five-star hotel to be converted into holiday lets

A former five-star seaside hotel is to be converted into a dozen holiday flats after plans to convert the building were approved.

The six-storey Langley Hotel, in Crescent Avenue, Whitby, was put up for sale in 2023, with an asking price of £850,000.

Plans submitted to North Yorkshire Council stated that the proposed refurbishment would "appeal to holidaymakers and provide longevity", however residents raised issues over congestion, parking and noise.

The local authority approved the scheme subject to various conditions, with a report concluding the use of the building would not change fundamentally.

It said: "Given the proposal would essentially result in the substitution of one form of tourist accommodation to another and would not fundamentally change its use from visitor accommodation, it is considered that the proposal would be acceptable in this instance."

Whitby Town Council ed the plan, but nine objections were submitted by of the public, according to the Local Democracy Service.

One resident said there had been "no correspondence between the developer and neighbours about the works" and added that it was "inappropriate development, it should be for affordable housing".

Another local raised concerns about "excessive noise and disturbance from the increase in occupants", as well as highlighting "insufficient parking in the area".

Whitby Civic Society also objected based on "over-development of the site, noise nuisance, and parking issues".

According to a council report, the applicant submitted a viability assessment demonstrating the economic viability of the site's current use in comparison to the proposed use which "appears to illustrate that if the hotel were to be continued by the new proprietor under its current use, the hotel would be a loss-making venture".

The applicant said that noise detectors installed throughout the building would also notify operators when noise levels reached above 90dB, and could lead to warnings or eviction.

In response to further concerns from residents, officers said that a condition to restrict occupancy to 14-day stays was "considered appropriate in this case".

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