Update on major new plans for derelict eyesore North Shore hotel after halfway house rumours

A derelict former hotel in Blackpool’s North Shore area which has been an eyesore for several years could be transformed into holiday flats if a new project gets the go ahead.

The former Moorfield Hotel, on King Edward Street, was once a smart-looking hotel with gleaming white walls and blue paintwork.

But it has been empty for more than five years and its condition has continued to deteriorate.

Back in 2021 there were rumours that the property might be turned into a halfway house for offenders on parole from prison, which caused some concern to nearby hoteliers who felt it was the wrong place for that kind of amenity.

Now, fresh proposals have been submitted to Blackpool Council’s planners which would finally see the building repaired and revamped.

The proposed development, from applicant Hari Singh, consists of the change of use from a hotel to a total of nine holiday apartments.

The application seeks external alterations to include removal of front dormer and sun lounge and rear extension to the property at 8-10 King Edward Street.

The application also includes reinstatement of the ground floor bay windows, alterations to doors and windows and use as 9 self-contained serviced holiday flats.

The property is not to be confused with another hotel of the same name which is currently operating on Hornby Road.

NOISE ASSESSMENT

As part of the application, a required noise assessment from Martin Environmental Solutions concludes: “On-site monitoring has identified existing background sound levels will result in an adverse impact on the proposed development, including plant noise to the rear of the site.

“As such additional mitigation measures are required. These have been identified as standard double-glazing units, with an alternative ventilation system to ensure a suitable level of ventilation is achieved.

“In addition, a consideration of the internal transfer of sound between units has been undertaken and a specification identified to minimise this transfer of sound.

“The inclusion of the above mitigation measures to all habitable rooms will ensure that the internal and external sound levels are acceptable and will result in a No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) on the future residents in line with the Noise Policy Statement (NPSE) for England.

“Thus, the development will achieve the aims of the NPSE by avoiding any significant adverse or adverse impacts on health or quality of life.”

A Planning Statement giving further details of the proposals has not yet been published in Blackpool Council’s planning portal.

Back in 2021, the then Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard was contacted by local hoteliers who ere concerned about the hostel rumours and said the building was part of the local holiday zone and desperately needed being restoring.

Mr Maynard said at the time: “I am aware of the concerns over the Moorfield and have already asked Blackpool Council’s planning team to look into the matter.

“While the property is in a poor state of repair and urgently requires renovation, careful consideration must be given to how it is used. I worry that what I hear proposed will have a detrimental impact on neighbouring homes and businesses.“Given the proximity of similar establishments, there is a clear case for planning official to scrutinise what is being proposed.”

No developments to turn the hotel into a halfway house hostel materialised – but instead the hotel remained empty and has been falling further into decline ever since.

Ian White, of tourism group StayBlackpool, said: “Yes there is a real need to return some of the vacant properties and the Moorfield has been vacant far too long .

“While Blackpool has a significant surplus of short stay bed spaces the removal of vacant buildings will be the priority.

“It is encouraging to see that the plans include re-establishment of the historic street view of the area including Bay windows and the removal of dormers as used in Empress Drive,