Ware Online Community Forum

http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/H ... 073520.htm

Unbelievably the Mercury reports EHDC taking a sensible decision with regard to Ware! I know, I've never heard the like either. The premier Inn approval was deferred over the issue of the design of the building being inappropriate near the conservation area. In particular, like the Town Council, they highlighted the issue of the proposed flat roof, and a generally unattractive design.

I thnk the hotel would probably be a good idea, although i rather see the Roebuck taken over and refurbished, but there's no point allowing someone to slap up an ugly box to blight that end of town even more.

Ironic when you consider that the original design had been for a pitched roof which they thought better suited the architecture of Ware but it was changed to flat at the insistence of the EHDC planning dept.

Well, you can't have East HErts making sensible decisions all the itme can you. Presumably though this means the'll just represent plans for a raked roof and that will be that.

East Herts Planning seems to be gaining a deserved reputation for incompetent suggestions to architects and designers - its at least the second major development in Ware to my knowledge that has been rejected due to design. AND EHC has suggested reducing the number of parking spaces. It's a HOTEL, for crying all night.

I am glad that at least one or two of the EHC Councillors get it ...

Scottman wrote:East Herts Planning seems to be gaining a deserved reputation for incompetent suggestions to architects and designers - its at least the second major development in Ware to my knowledge that has been rejected due to design. AND EHC has suggested reducing the number of parking spaces. It's a HOTEL, for crying all night.

I am glad that at least one or two of the EHC Councillors get it ...

I think there's some confusion here that should be cleared up. I've been following this case quite closely (if you use the online planning portal you can see not only the plans but also the correspondence) and it seems that the planning department said they wanted a flat roof, but Premier Inn and the council planning committees (Ware and EHC) want a pitched roof, as did some objectors.

It appears that the planning department is out of step with the rest of the community, which is a very big concern. I also think the planners only agreed to further talks with Premier Inn, so it's by no means certain that a new design will come out of this!

People may be interested to know that this came before the planning committee again last night after the deferral in July, and the amended design has been approved.

Why anyone would want a ghastly flat roof in this day and age is beyond me. 1960s architecture that makes me shudder!

That's very good news. Premier Inn took the sensible step of meeting with objectors, listening to their concerns and trying to accommodate them into the new design. As a result of this the new design is very much more in keeping with the town and will be an asset to Ware.

The sooner it is up and running the better.

Looks as though site clearance work has started at the junction of Viaduct Road and Marsh Lane.