History
The Darnley is an
impressive terrace of three former houses converted into a hotel,
constructed about 1900 and subsequently converted in the 1970’s.
Unfortunately the downturn
in the hotel trade affected its financial viability and the hotel closed in
October 2005 and has remained empty ever since.
Since that time the property has been on the
market and there have been various plans to develop the site, none of which
have been successful. With the property being empty for such a long time, it
has fallen into disrepair and has been a victim of theft and vandalism
resulting in a building that is a sorry shadow of its former self.
HARP’s
vision for the Darnley
HARP
would very much like to refurbish and
upgrade the property, by retaining the original character of the building
and use it as their new Accommodation
and Training Centre.
What the Darnley brings to HARP
The
Valkyrie Road Day Centre has been the heart of the operation for some years.
However, this building is now in a seriously dilapidated state and is no
longer fit for purpose. Additionally, the lease on the Night Shelter in York
Road expires this year and whilst there is an opportunity for a short term
extension this does not give us the stability needed for this service
provision to the local community.
For HARP the
Darnley brings the opportunity to fully integrate our services and by
providing additional short-term accommodation and expand our training
programmes. Health and community services within the same building will
enable us to create a Centre of Excellence.
Planning Considerations
HARP
requires a successful “Change of Use” application from a hotel to “sui
generis” in order to refurbish the Darnley Hotel as a new Training and
Accommodation Centre.
·
Within the Planning Policy, the
hotel is below the threshold of 20 units and has not been used as such since
2005
·
It is in a sustainable location
i.e. close to town & with good public transport links
·
HARP already runs a successful
Night Shelter in York Road and the new property will allow them to build
onto and consolidate the services
·
The Police are very supportive,
and have data on the low level of incidents
·
24 hour surveillance and
overnight security
· The existing on-site parking
coupled with the parking at the Head Office at 117 York Road more than
accommodates the parking requirements
·
Disabled access to be created at
the front of the building
·
The entrance to the property will
to be situated at the rear of the building to minimise the congregating of
clients outside the property envelope
·
Enhancing the appearance of the street
Consultation
Whilst
there are no technical issues involved in this application, HARP recognise
that significant plans within any given location require sensitivity to
existing local residents.
HARP
has been working closely with the
Council on the development of this application and formally started a 12
week consultation process with a presentation on the 25th
January.
HARP’s
4 week public consultation will run from Monday 28th February to
Sunday 27th March 2011, after which the results will be evaluated
and feedback in the period to 19th April 2011.
How you can find out more
During the consultation
period we will be meeting and communicating in a variety of ways with all
stakeholders and interested parties including local residents, partner
agencies and Southend Borough Council to share our plans and listen to all
comments and viewpoints.
Communication to include –
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