A PLANNING application to demolish the Floatel has been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The once-iconic hotel closed in January this year after its owners, the Real Hotel Group, went into liquidation.

It is now owned by BDO Stoy Hayward, administrators for the now defunct group.

The building sits on piles but is now sinking due to its state of disrepair and Northwich residents have called for it to be demolished sooner rather than later.

Townsfolk have also complained about anti-social behaviour at the building and this has led to several visits by the police and Cheshire West and Chester Council’s environmental team.

In September, Mike Hall, MP for Weaver Vale, said he wanted to see the Floatel knocked down as soon as possible, after residents had contacted him about its current state.

The supporting documents for the planning application state that: “It is the applicant’s view that the structure detracts from the Northwich conservation area in which it is located and that its demolition will address the requirement of preserving or enhancing the appearance of the conservation area and will resolve a local environmental problem.

“The building does not make a positive contribution to the conservation area, indeed it detracts from the appearance of the area.

“Its removal will enhance the character of the area and views through the area and remove a local environmental problem.

“Notwithstanding this, the building is incapable of beneficial occupation and it would not be a viable proposition to make the building safe and suitable for reuse.”

Clr Herbert Manley said the application being submitted was the next stage in the redevelopment of the site.

“The Floatel has been closed for some time and CWAC is hopeful that it will be demolished and removed and that it will be a site that will be possible for regeneration,” he said.

“People have been asking what has been happening. The reason that nothing has been in the press in the past has been that the owners have been proceeding with it and hopefully the application will be approved and we can see what we can do to develop the site.”

Planning officers expect a decision to be made on November 29.

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