Mixed feelings over Dingwall hotel change of use go-ahead to residential care home
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An approved planning application for a change of use of a popular hotel into a 44-bed residential home has "deeply disappointed" a local councillor.
Councillor Margaret Paterson of the Dingwall and Seaforth ward said she was "so sad" that the plan for the National Hotel, on Dingwall's High Street, has been given the go-ahead.
The National Hotel with its grand Seaforth room has been the place where many families have celebrated weddings, music nights and is the base for the town's popular Accordion and Fiddle Club.
Planning permission was granted under delegated powers for the conversion of the historic hotel into a 44-bed care home.
The application, from Andrea Fraser and Maxine Worsfold, will see the National Hotel transformed into a residential care home.
There will be few alterations to the traditionally-built hotel, as most rooms already have en-suite facilities. In the future, it is hoped to fit an elevator.
At the time of lodging the application, the hotel owners said they wanted to create a happy home, making use of the facilities, such as a dance floor, for residents.
But Cllr Paterson said: "I am deeply disappointed to hear that this has been agreed.
"It is so sad to lose this historic hotel to the town of Dingwall. It was the only hotel for tourists in the town, and the closest one is now the Tulloch Hotel, which is based out of town.
"I will not be the only one to be saddened by the news that the hotel is to be a residential home."
She added: "Many people will have enjoyed a celebration in the hotel, and many people will have had their wedding dance there. It is a regrettable change of use, that will take an important and historic building away from the town.
"This decision was made under delegated powers without reference to the community, or the councillors. We did not get an opportunity to raise our concerns.
"I was surprised to see it had been agreed.
"I don't know that we need another care home in the town. It is a sad day for Dingwall."
While not wishing to comment on the application, Mrs Fraser previously said she was keen that residents were still part of the community of the High Street, and that people would be offered various classes, including tea dances and craft groups, to offer a care home that was "filled with love".
Planners agreed the application on the condition that "prior to the first occupation of the development hereby approved as a care home, the car parking and access arrangements shall be completed in full and made available for use. Thereafter, all car parking spaces shall be maintained for this use in perpetuity."
The car park will have 30 spaces.
Planners said this was to "ensure that an adequate level of access and parking is timeously provided for the development; in the interests of road safety and amenity."
It also said that work had to commence within three years.
A separate application to the Care Inspectorate, to licence the care home, will be made in due course.
Mrs Fraser said earlier this year: “Me and my business parter Maxine Worsfold just simply love the thought of providing a care home in the heart of the High Street that allows people to have the support they need for daily life, but are still part of a wonderful community."
