Over the next two years the Skegness seafront will be changing as plans for a controversial new Travelodge and Starbucks complex were approved. Despite some objections and one resident dubbing the project a "concrete monstrosity", the new hotel and drive-thru coffee shop will be built on the site of a former crazy golf site on South Parade that has remained empty for five years.
Councillors were told the plans would contribute £2.6m into the area's economy each year. Despite there being written objections from hoteliers over losing their sea view, none spoke during the East Lindsey District Council planning meeting.
Concerns were also raised about the height of the five-storey hotel, as it would be around 5m taller than the existing buildings in the area due to the hotel's restaurant and bar on the top floor reports Lincolnshire Live. Daren Burney, of The Burned Group, told the committee: "Despite the current economic climate, we are fully committed to these plans, which will be ready by summer 2024.
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"It will bring significant regeneration to the Skegness foreshore, and will attract more investment to the area. This exciting development will deliver a major aspiration for one of the UK’s top seaside resorts."
Councillor Neil Jones backed the plans, stating: "There is no doubt that it would offer significant economic benefits to Skegness". Councillor Sid Dennis said the objections didn’t seem to have merit in planning terms, adding: "It would be an excellent thing for Skegness – top notch."
Nearly all members of the committee backed the plans for the Travelodge and Starbucks, with one member against and another abstaining. It is estimated the development will create 45 full and part-time jobs.
The planning meeting was one of the first to be held at East Lindsey’s new council HQ in Horncastle, and saw a few technical glitches as participants got to grips with the new system.
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