Permanent hostel use at Grove House Hotel, Wallasey Village

What was proposed

The application sought permanent permission to change the hotel into a hostel, retaining 18 en-suite bedrooms and capacity for 36 residents.

“Following the 36-month period for temporary use as a hostel, as approved under APP/22/01848 having come to an end, this application seeks to continue this use with permission being sought for a permanent change of use from hotel (Use Class C1) to a hostel (Use Class Sui Generis). It is proposed that the use will continue to operate under the same parameters approved…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The former hotel lies in a primarily residential area near Wallasey Village, beside family homes, Harrison Park, a public house and shops.

“The Grove House hotel was previously in use as a hotel and more recently in use as a hostel, following a temporary planning permission having been granted under APP/22/01848. It is situated within a Primarily Residential Area, close to Wallasey Village. The application site ("Site") forms part of a larger plot, all under the same ownership, which is bound to its north by Harrison Park. The Site is surrounded by smaller family dwellings to its south, east and west.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

The premises previously operated as a hotel and then as a hostel under a temporary 36-month permission, which had ended by 2026.

“Applications APP/22/01848 Proposal for a temporary change of use from a hotel to hostel, provision of 18no bedrooms for 36months. Conditional Approval Applications…”

“APP/22/01643 Proposal for a temporary change of use, from a hotel to hostel (to house asylum seekers), utilising 26no double rooms for 36months. No Decision…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, finding the use suitable in the residential area and unlikely to harm local character, nearby amenities or highways.

“Highways 8.5.1 The proposals are all contained within a private boundary and do not impact on the adopted highway. There are 18 no. on-site car parking spaces which is considered satisfactory. The location of the development is within 400m of Wallasey Grove Road Merseyrail railway station and close to nearby bus stops.”

“The use being residential in nature and located within a Primarily Residential Area, the principle of development is deemed acceptable. It is considered that its scale and operation would not harm the character of the area or the amenities of nearby receptors. The impact on the local highway network is also considered acceptable Furthermore, its use would continue to ensure the site did not remain vacant following the closure of the hotel.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Housing, traffic and highways consultees raised no objection, with cycle storage required as a condition.

“Ward Member Comments No comments received 3.2 Summary of Representations REPRESENTATIONS • Having regard to the Council Guidance on Publicity for Applications and the Statement of Community Involvement, 45 no. notification letters were sent to neighbouring properties on (01-07-2026). A site notice was also posted on (02-07-2026). In response, a total of 21 representations to the application were also received, comprising 18 separate letters of objection and 3 no.”

“CONSULTATIONS Housing - No Objection Traffic & Transportation - No objection subject to provision of satisfactory cycle storage Highway Asset - No Objection…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A ward councillor and the applicant’s agent addressed the committee after the senior planning officer presented the report.

Members considered the application

Members debated the application before the chair moved, and another councillor seconded, approval for the reasons in the report.

“On a motion by the Chair and seconded by Councillor Louise Luxon-Kewley, it was:”

Minutes

The committee voted

The committee approved the application unanimously, subject to the listed conditions.

“Resolved (unanimously) – That for the reasons set out in the report, the Assistant Director - Chief Planner be authorised to approve the application subject to the conditions set out below.”

Minutes