Hotel plans at Telford's Southwater criticised by MP

Lucy Allan said a multi-storey hotel would be a step too far for the multi-million pound shopping and leisure development.

The 68-bed hotel and ground floor restaurant, close to the town's ice rink and lake, would be built on grassland.

The Telford MP said the area would be better off being landscaped to enhance the look of the town centre.

She today called on Telford & Wrekin Council to reconsider its plans.

She said: "Southwater is a fantastic development and has been a great addition to the town centre.

"I am however concerned that further development could spoil what is a unique and valued space.

"Striking the right balance between development and open space is critical and I am concerned that further development of multi storey buildings risks tipping the scales towards over development.

"Landscaping this space may make for a more attractive environment than another restaurant and hotel."

Public consultation on the hotel development started yesterday.

A first look at the hotel was also unveiled, which shows where it would be built, and a video was put up on the council's website and shared on the authority's social media pages.

If the plans are given the green light it would sit opposite Indian buffet restaurant Mimosa and Telford Ice Rink.

The hotel would be 336 square metre retail unit, and the plans also include a separate landscaped area outside the Premier Inn and Wildwood Kitchen restaurant.

Emily Taylor, spokeswoman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said it was "disappointing" to hear Ms Allan's comments.

But she said the council has taken the Conservative MP's comments into account for the consultation.

The council said the proposed site for the hotel was a "temporary grassed area" that has no drainage, and that the new development will allow it to be enjoyed all year round by visitors.

Mrs Taylor said: "The council is committed to support the continual growth of the borough including spend from business and visitor tourists.

"Hotel room space is clearly an important element of ensuring that the town can serve these markets, including events at Telford International Centre.

"It is disappointing that Lucy Allan does not support the drive to ensure the borough maximise the opportunities to benefit from these markets.

"These plans have formed the master plan for the area since 2007 and is back by HCA.

"However we welcome the MP's comments as part of the consultation."

Councillor Shaun Davies, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for business, said: "We are looking forward to showcasing our future plans for Southwater and getting feedback from the public on what the next phase will involve.

"We know that many people have been keen that we retain the green space in the Southwater development and have listened to these comments.

"We're keen to get views on the future use of the area and I would encourage everyone to come along to Southwater One and have a look at the plans."

Last year it was announced that the American style restaurant TGI Friday's would be built on the Southern Quarter Development.

This development is part of Telford Shopping Centre's plans that would see Italian restaurant Prezzo and the Handmade Burger Company built next to Southwater. Work has started on this part of the development, however the restaurants are not due to open until December.

The consultation is taking place on the ground floor of Southwater One between 9am and 5pm until tomorrow.