Southampton: Opposition over plans for historic city hotel
The Dolphin Hotel dates back more than 500 years
Opposition has piled up over plans to convert a historic Southampton hotel into student housing.
The Dolphin Hotel is believed to be the city’s oldest hotel and is said to have welcomed Jane Austen, Queen Victoria and Admiral Lord Nelson in its heyday.
An application to change the use of the grade II*-listed building submitted by Dolphin Hotel Property Ltd is currently being assessed by city council planning officers.
The proposal for the site in High Street has attracted objections from Southampton Tourist Guides Associations, City of Southampton Society and Old Town Community Forum, as well as residents.
Four councillors submitted objections during the consultation period, which has now closed.
Bargate ward councillor Sarah Bogle said: “This is an historic and public-facing building with a rich heritage from the 18th century and Jane Austen associations.
“This conversion could also be detrimental to the city’s aspirations in the destination management plan to enhance tourism and visitor numbers.
“I understand hotels are a viable commercial concern and this needs to be explored further with a new operator rather than allow this change of use.”
The Hampshire branch of the Jane Austen Society said next year is the 250th anniversary of the novelist’s birth, with Southampton expected to be part of the celebrations.
The group’s submission on the application said: “Whilst we are not enthusiastic about this proposed change of use, it does mean that the building will have a future which it currently does not. This is preferable to the building being allowed to become derelict.”
An objection was also submitted by the owner of an independent bookshop in the United States of America, who said they serve the “international community of Jane Austen fans and scholars”.
In their comment, they said: “I request that you consider the cultural importance of the Dolphin Inn as the only remaining structure in Southampton with Jane Austen connections.
“As we approach next year’s 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, many of our customers and friends are making trips to the UK to visit Jane Austen sites.”
The hotel, which dates back more than 500 years, is said to be where Jane Austen celebrated her 18th birthday.
The premises has most recently been used to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.
The change of use would see all 99 hotel rooms become student bedrooms, with en-suite facilities.
A letter submitted on behalf of the applicant by Savills said: “This change of use would ensure ongoing employment and can fund the necessary improvements to the building’s fabric ensuring the viable use of this important listed building in the long term.”
Savills said operating as a hotel on the site was no longer viable and the landowner had carefully considered alternative uses.