Malton hotel's revamp to be debated (From York Press)

Revamp of Talbot Hotel in Malton to be debated

8:40am Saturday 11th February 2012 in News By Mark Stead, Political Reporter

REVISED plans for changes to the grounds of an historic Ryedale hotel which is undergoing a £4 million revamp will be debated next week.

The Talbot Hotel in Malton is scheduled to reopen in the spring following a restoration and refurbishment.

TV chef James Martin has been asked to plan its new restaurant, lounge bar and function room.

The scheme was approved by Ryedale District Council last year, but a decision has still to be made on alterations to the grounds of the Grade II-listed hotel and neighbouring York House in Yorkersgate, which have been proposed by the owners of the buildings, the Fitzwilliam Estate.

They want to create a service route which would go through the grounds of York House, a new access route, as well as a car park on the site’s upper terrace and a sunken terrace.

But the proposals originally drew objections and concerns from groups, including English Heritage.

Fresh plans were drawn up and they will go before a planning committee on Tuesday. No recommendation on the scheme has been made by planners ahead of the meeting.

A report by planning officer Matthew Mortonson said the council was still awaiting comments from groups which have been consulted.

The report said the main issue to be considered was the impact the proposed changes would have on the historic environment balanced against the benefits they would bring.

The report said: “The applicants identify that to ensure a high level of service can be provided without impacting on guests, a separate service route other than the main entrance would be required.”

The Fitzwilliam Estate said the proposals would be the “least intrusive” and “least harmful” option for new routes, but the council’s conservation officers had said the hotel’s gardens “contribute greatly to our understanding and appreciation of the status of the buildings and the residents who lived there”.

“It is accepted that the Talbot Hotel does require a separate service entrance,” said Mr Mortonson’s report.

“Nevertheless, concerns exist to the impact of the development on the historic environment.”

When the refurbishment is completed, the hotel will have 26 en-suite bedrooms, a private meeting and dining room and a dedicated site for marquee events and weddings, as well as the restaurant.