Changing face of Cotswold Water Park (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Changing face of Cotswold Water Park

HOTEL plans which will transform the face of the Cotswold Water Park have been given the green light.

The 124 bedroom hotel with leisure club, waterside bar, staff accommodation and 420 parking spaces, will now be built on Lake 6 next to the new Gateway Centre.

The Four Pillars development, described as having a 'boathouse' character was agreed in outline more than three years ago and is seen as a 'landmark development' that will provide a 'visual and economic anchor to the vitality of the area'.

Planning officers say the contemporary architectural approach, which includes "a lot of glass", will be an "imaginative and dynamic addition to the character and appearance to the gateway of the CWP".

Case officer Mike Napper said: "The proposed scheme is evidently highly important and significant to the CWP and to the Cotswolds more generally, due to its scale and visual presence.

"It will be very prominent but there's no suggestion it should be hidden away and not be expressing itself."

Yesterday (Wednesday) district councillors voted in favour of the application subject to a number of conditions including nature conservation management and a contribution of £100,000 for general purposes within the CWP.

Cllr Clive Bennett said: "I think we have been talking about this for 15 years, it's great that it's coming."

Cllr Sue Herdman added: "I think it has been worth waiting for. It looks like a first class development and is exactly what the Water Park needs, we are desperately short of hotels in this area."

South Cerney parish council did not object in principle to the plans but raised concerns over the lack of details on materials.

South Cerney Trust's objections included the development being too large for the site and the size of the buildings being detrimental to the Water Park gateway.

At the meeting Four Pillars chairman Brian Murtagh said: "The hotel will make a statement at the entrance of the Water Park "You have arrived".

"It will not just be for people from afar but for all local people to use and enjoy its amenities."