A MAJOR planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of Gara Rock Hotel in East Portlemouth.

The application proposes a change of use, with the creation of 12 residential apartments with ‘external alterations including fenestration (windows and doors) and access (steps).’

Other plans are to build self-contained ancillary staff accommodation, single storey extensions to the main building to create a reception area, an office and an enlarged restaurant.

The application also includes additional facilities on site, namely treatment rooms, a gym and a games room.

The design and access statement states: ‘It is proposed to create a number of apartments and suites in lieu of the hotel, comprising of eleven apartments and a secret suite.

The statement claims that ‘the existing partially completed hotel accommodation ... is not considered to be a viable use on the site.’

‘Given the relatively secluded location, visitors usually come for a longer period of time and therefore require more substantial accommodation than a hotel can offer,’ the statement adds.

Gara Rock’s history dates back to the 19th century, when a remote row of coastguard cottages on the cliff top kept watch over one of the most dramatic sections of the South Hams coastline.

In 1909, they were converted into a family hotel that became a haunt of the rich and famous during the 1930s.

Having been requisitioned during the war years, Gara Rock reopened as a small family hotel in 1946.

The application can be seen on the South Hams Council website, by visiting www.southhams.gov.uk, using the reference number 3586/16/FUL.

Anyone who wishes to make representations about this application can do so before Friday, January 27.