A KNIFE-EDGE vote has secured a ‘rescue plan’ for Haslemere’s historic Georgian Hotel.

The town has been split on whether building new homes in the grounds – with the loss of 31 rooms – to fund a £2million 12-bed boutique hotel and restaurant in the Grade II listed High Street building, is the best way to regenerate the ‘failing’ business.

Divided opinions were echoed by Waverley planners on January 21.

With five votes for and five against, the scheme was agreed by the casting vote of the chairman.

The public gallery was packed with supporters and objectors to the bold plan, which owners Lannister House say is the only way to save a struggling business that has gone into administration twice over the last five years.

The scheme, approved by Waverley Borough Council’s southern area committee, will see the 31-bed modern annexe in the grounds replaced by a block of 16 apartments alongside two new houses to raise £2 million to turn the “tired” High Street building into an upmarket boutique hotel with a “destination” restaurant.

It was second time lucky for Lannister House – a group of local professionals – after its earlier bid for an apartment block and three new houses was rejected in April 2019.

Hailing the committee’s decision, Lannister House member Mark McVeigh said: “We are delighted. This is a victory for Haslemere as a community.”

Planning officers recommended the scaled-down revised plan – with one less house – be granted. The final decision to approve was made on the casting vote of committee chairman Cllr David Beaman (Farnham Residents).

Urging members to refuse the scheme, neighbour Alastair Morgan objected the marketing exercise asked for offers at an “inflated” price of £3.5 million and the impact the new development would have on heritage asset Tudor Cottage was unacceptable.

Lannister House chief executive Richard Angel said: “Our vision will bring not only much-needed new homes, but a destination venue. A revitalised hotel inclusive to all that will attract tourists from further afield.”

Committee member Cllr Robert Knowles (Haslemere, Con) said he had “serious concerns” about the heritage impact, loss of trees, reduced parking spaces and lack of affordable homes.

Haslemere Town Council agreed not to object to the plan, but committee member and mayor Cllr John Robini (Haslemere, Lib Dem) said he was “extremely disappointed” no affordable housing was included.

Supporting the scheme, Cllr Simon Dear (Haslemere, Con) assured the committee that planning officers had done the due diligence required when recommending approval.

Mr Dear said: “This is an open goal for our housing allocation and allows us to defend ourselves against housing on other sites in rural areas.

“This will bring about the renewal and refurbishment of a hotel in dire need of attention.”