‘Eyesore’ Wisbech hotel will become flats

A landmark hotel is to be turned into flats after a drop in tourism left it to decay and become an “eyesore.”

West Norfolk Council planning committee members have approved the scheme to turn Elme Hall in Wisbech, into 19 flats.

It follows the motel, which is located at one of the main gateways into Norfolk, previously being granted permission to become a house of multiple occupation in 2022.

But after three years on the market and no buyer coming forward, the owners have changed tack and decided to seek permission to change it into flats.

Speaking about the scheme at the meeting, Cllr Simon Ring said: “It took ten years to get permission for a hotel in the first place. It is quite ironic.

“We are facing a situation that we have an eyesore building that could be very nice as a hotel but that is a greater risk than it being very nice residential accommodation.

“This is a challenging site for the owners.”

The scheme was approved by councillors under the condition that adequate community levy funding was offered.