How the site used to look before Telephone house was demolished

Shrewsbury’s planned new £7 million, five-storey hotel could create 60 jobs, it emerged today.

Developer Dunedin wants to build the 127-bedroom hotel on the site once occupied by Telephone House in Smithfield Road – with its plans recommended for approval by planners.

The landmark building would include a restaurant and bar and an adjacent building with 1,013 square metres of office space.

Plans for the scheme have undergone several changes since they were first unveiled and submitted to planners last year.

The original hotel was proposed to be 10 storeys high with 126 bedrooms and 40 apartments, but this was amended to a 111-bedroom, nine-storey hotel.

Further changes were made late last year when the apartments were replaced by offices, and the latest plans were submitted earlier this year.

In a report to Shropshire Council’s interim regulatory committee, which will discuss the plans next Tuesday, officers say: “The design is contemporary, making use of glass, metal and render finishes.

“Flood escape in emergencies is proposed via the multi-storey car park, to higher ground. The proposed development is therefore considerably lower in height than the previous withdrawn scheme.”

It adds: “The development of a hotel represents a significant (£7 million) inward investment for the town, which is welcome in principle. The developers state that the hotel would create approximately 60 jobs.”

The Environment Agency and English Heritage, which had both raised objections to previous versions of the scheme, have not lodged any fresh concerns.

Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents’ Association has written to the authority raising concerns about the size and bulk of buildings, among other issues including a lack of car parking, and fears that flooding issues have not been addressed.

West Mercia Police has raised concerns a passage between Smithfield Road and Raven Meadows could lead to crime and disorder issues, and one objection has been lodged by a member of the public over a lack of consultation, claiming the hotel would be too high and bulky.

In conclusion, officers say the hotel is a “much needed facility” in the town and it is recommended for approval.

It says a Section 106 agreement will be needed to secure a £30,000 contribution to sustainable travel measures and £15,000 towards flood warning measures.

By John Kirk