Councillors back plans to redevelop and reopen Banyers Hotel in Royston

A new hotel for Royston moved a step closer this week as plans were given the thumbs up by councillors.

Royston Town Council’s planning committee backed plans to renovate the Banyers, in Melbourn Street, at its meeting on Monday.

The Banyers has been empty for two years, but has been brought by Beechdale Homes, which is seeking to reopen it as a boutique hotel with gastro dining and spa facilities.

As part of the developers plans, they want to extend the building as well as constructing an ‘orangerie’ with garden rooms to the rear of the hotel.

Cllr Lindsay Davidson, chairman of the planning committee at the town council, said: “We passed it, but we’re asking for very strong sound-proofing to the orangerie that they want to build at the back.

“I’ve been to the site and spoken to the developers and I was quite impressed. They were aware of the noise issues, which were a big problem when the hotel was open last time and hosted big events and there was music belting out. They’re aware of that and keen to not have that happen again.”

Neighbours had complained about noise created by the hotel when it was open previously, with former owner Tony Roach getting in hot water for putting up a marquee in the grounds without permission.

If approval is granted by North Herts District Council, the Banyers could reopen next spring.

“We felt that what they want to do is quite nice,” said Cllr Davidson.

“It seemed ok and the developers seemed very community minded. Providing the noise issue is properly dealt with we have no problem with the application, and it will be good for the community to have a top class hotel there.”