A Looe hotel can be converted and redeveloped with a three-storey extension to provide apartments, Caradon's planners have agreed. The council's planning committee (west) approved plans by Mr D Russell for the work at the Klymiarven Hotel, Barbican Hill, which will result in the replacement of the hotel with 12 apartments, and will involve partial demolition of the existing hotel. Looe Town Council had objected to the proposals saying they would result in the loss of quality bed- space in the town, and pointed out that, although it was not listed, the property was of historic interest. Councillors were told that the demolition would involve the removal of a 1950s extension which would be replaced by a new, free-standing three- storey building. The original Klymiarven House would be retained and enhanced by the removal of a modern conservatory. The car park would be enlarged and reconfigured to provide 14 spaces to serve the 12 new apartments. Council officials stated that the hotel was outside the 'prime hotels area' of the town where the change of use of such premises was not permitted. Evidence had also been provided that the hotel business was not viable and had not been for the past 22 years.
