SIR – The argument for more hotels is based on the 2003 SADC report which is outdated. The real demand for hotel rooms has declined over a period of six to seven years. Prior to that period there was a shortage of rooms in the nearby towns such as Watford
SIR - The argument for more hotels is based on the 2003 SADC report which is outdated.
The real demand for hotel rooms has declined over a period of six to seven years.
Prior to that period there was a shortage of rooms in the nearby towns such as Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Elstree, Hatfield, etc., which provided occupancies in St Albans hotels.
Now, all these areas have two to three new hotels and therefore there has been a decline in this "overspill" occupancy from the surrounding areas.
Again, if there is an argument for additional rooms, then the SADC has already identified areas in London Road and London Colney and also Thistle has a planning consent for the addition of further 80 bedrooms with additional conference facilities.
Butterfly World, I believe also has a planning permission to build a conference facility.
Therefore those businesses and members of the Chamber of Commerce should not support planning applications for building hotels on a Green Belt location.
KISHOR MAJITHIA
Holywell Hill, St Albans
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