A NEW 90-bed four-star “destination” hotel – complete with a conference space, a restaurant and a rooftop bar – can now be built near an army base in Bulford.

Previously described as a “brilliant plan for the future of Bulford” by some residents, the hotel would sit on Amesbury Road and would cater to a growing number of visitors to military personnel at the nearby Bulford Military Base.

According to the applicant, a third of the British Army are now based in and around Bulford.

The L-shaped building, which would be known as The Stonehenge Hotel, would replace the van sales dealer M A Vans Ltd and the Bulford Camp Hand Car Wash.

The plans, submitted by Duckquiff Ltd were initially put forward in April 2020, but were only validated by Wiltshire Council in April. The plans were approved on Friday (June 6).

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A conference space for 200 people has also been included in the plans, as well as a restaurant, entertainment facilities and a ‘one-stop shop’.

An underground parking space for 90 vehicles would also be provided.

While a hotel operator has not yet been confirmed, Wiltshire Council’s planning officer said in their report that the applicant confirmed the scheme is speculative and it is intended to market the site once permission is granted but that there has already been some initial interest for a hotel use at the site from a “few interested parties”.

The plans feature a terrace bar Picture: Cutler Architects

Despite concerns that the new hotel could create further traffic problems in the area, with comments objecting to the plans raising the potential issue with cars accessing Amesbury Road/Bulford Road, the applicant said the development would result in an increase in traffic of between 10 and 19 vehicles per hour.

The officer’s report said: “Much local concern has been raised about the existing traffic issues in the area that will be exacerbated by a 90-bed hotel and 200-capacity conference centre when used at full capacity.

“It is also feared that the level of parking identified at the site will not be sufficient when operating at full capacity and will thus create overspill nuisance on streets elsewhere in the area.

“However, the highway authority has confirmed that it has no objection in principle to the proposed works in terms of their implications for highway safety.”

The applicant said the hotel is needed as the nearby Bulford Camp has seen a considerable extension due to oversea troops being deployed back to the UK.

“It is expected that this will result in a local under provision of facilities for friends and family of the troops to stay and entertain while visiting,” the plans said.

“This is what this project aims to provide. The site’s location opposite the gate of the Bulford Camp is ideal.”

The approval of the plans came with a large number of conditions, which can be read in full by searching reference 20/03485/FUL on the planning section of Wiltshire Council’s website.

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