Lincoln council to decide on significant DoubleTree by Hilton hotel extension

City of Lincoln councillors are set to consider plans for the demolition of a former NHS building to make way for a major extension of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel.

As previously reported, plans for an expansion of the hotel on Brayford Wharf were first revealed in October 2015.

The development would create 39 additional rooms and 35 new car parking spaces, bringing the total number of rooms at the hotel to 154.

In addition to further guest rooms, additional conferencing and function space would be included as part of the proposed development.

A taller stair tower would also be built and the six-storey building would be scaled at different levels.

The former NHS Healthcare Services building on Newland would be demolished in the plans.

The former NHS Healthcare Services building on Newland (to the rear of the hotel) would be demolished to accommodate access to the extension.

Vehicles would access the hotel from Brayford Wharf North and exit onto Newland.

The parking would be extended at ground floor level and a mezzanine area utilised to provide additional spaces.

Artist impressions: Core Architects

Councillors are recommended to approve the proposals, with officers stating that any harm caused to properties and amenities next to the development would be outweighed by the benefits of the proposals.

However, Lincoln Civic Trust has objected to the development due to the designs of the buildings, while Historic England has also expressed reservations about the proposals in their current format.

Leading the concerns is Zahid Ansari, owner of the Taste of Marrakech restaurant, which is based on Newland and borders the former NHS building.

A solicitor acting on behalf of Ansari said: “The proposed development is of a vast size and would take considerable time to complete; this disruption would cause a potential loss to our clients trade.

“Due to the increased height of the proposed development, this would result in overshadowing and the windows from the development would overlook our client’s property causing a loss of privacy and a loss of right to light.”

Ansari also has objected to the development due to the increased noise and traffic resulting from increased footfall.

Impressions of how the new development would look

City of Lincoln Council’s Planning Committee will decide on the proposals at a meeting on Wednesday, January 13.