Proposals to tear down sections of a hotel in Highcliffe have been rejected by BCP Council.
The Lord Bute Hotel in Highcliffe, Christchurch, will not proceed with demolishing buildings to make way for six residential properties, complete with parking and bicycle storage facilities.
BCP Council has turned down a planning submission from the property owner's representative, Elliot Herron Limited, which sought to remove portions of East Lodge, the Grade II listed structure next to the hotel, as part of a broader redevelopment scheme.
The application was lodged with BCP council in November 2024 and gained validity in January 2025 before undergoing public consultation during February and March 2025.
In its ruling on 3 October, 2025, the council said the plans failed to show how the works would preserve the distinctive architectural and historical importance of East Lodge.
It identified no compelling justification or public advantage to counterbalance the damage to the listed structure and determined that the scheme contradicted essential local and national planning policies created to protect heritage properties.
A representative for The Lord Bute said: "Planning was refused, but the landlord has indicated that he intends to appeal the decision, which could take up to two years.
"If permission were ever granted, there would then be a further three-year window to begin any development.
"We can't stop landowners appealing and applying for planning, the land has been sold and re-sold several times over the years, each time with the intention to develop the land which has historically always been refused.
"The landlord may or may not appeal the council's decision and offer a short lease, which he knows we would reject, in an attempt to bolster a future planning bid, but that is out of our hands.
"For now, what everyone needs to know is simple. The Lord Bute is not being developed. This means The Lord Bute will continue to welcome guests, including for our Christmas and New Year celebrations."
Bradley Green, director and head chef of the Lord Bute hotel and restaurant, added: "The decision didn't come as a surprise. It's been quite the saga, but at least we can now focus on moving forwards".
