CASTLE HOTEL SCHEME SET FOR GREEN LIGHT

By timesecholife on in Latest News

TYCOON CLAIMS PLAN WILL DELIVER MAJOR BOOST TO AREA

PLANS to turn historic Caverswall Castle into an 18-bedroom hotel would deliver a massive boost to the area, it was claimed this week.
Property tycoon Robin MacDonald put the 13th Century building up for sale for a second time in August following a 12-year planning battle with Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.
But he now wants to re-launch the moated castle as a five-star hotel and conference centre in an £800,000 project that would create up to 30 jobs.
And his latest scheme has won the backing of the council, which looks likely to approve the application this week.
Mr MacDonald, who is aiming to open for business in spring next year, insists the idea would breathe new life into the castle and deliver considerable benefits for the local economy.
He said: “It would be fantastic for the whole area and for Caverswall in particular.
“The village is dying through lack of trade and this would provide an amazing boost that would support local people and local businesses.
“It would be absolutely brilliant for Caverswall to have such an historic attraction on its doorstep and it would help to put the whole of the Staffordshire Moorlands on the map.”
The hotel plan, which includes the demolition of a swimming pool and the creation of a car park, has won overwhelming support from residents and village leaders.
More than 2,500 signed a petition calling for the application to be approved and hundreds of letters have been submitted.
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