A prominent Fife hotel could be torn down and its site completely redeveloped if radical new proposals being put forward this week are pursued.
Owners of the Lundin Links Hotel have submitted plans which could see the hotel turned into 36 flats, four terraced houses and 400 square metres for retail or mixed use, although the ambitious blueprints for the area are still at a very early stage.
The hotel prides itself on being close to some of Fife’s most stunning coastline and some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world and, as such, attracts visitors from all over the world.
However, continued difficulty with current trading conditions and seasonality is said to be making the business unviable prompting proprietor Martin White to test the options for redevelopment and change of use prior to making any decisions on its future.
A statement by Rick Finc Associates, acting on behalf of Mr White, revealed the current building needs around £300,000 of investment to enable it to compete effectively as a venue in the future but said it has not been possible to attract alternative operators, adding there is ”limited prospect” for its continued use in the current market.
”The proposed development presents a positive opportunity to redevelop this site with a suitable mix of residential properties, including affordable housing provision and enhanced local services comprising of new retail and leisure facilities which would enhance the town centre,” it said.
”Although technically this is a departure from the local plan it will have a positive effect of sustaining existing services and providing a stimulus for additional trade which is currently lost to the area.”
The three-star hotel, acquired by Mr White in 2010, employs five full- and three part-time staff on a seasonal basis, although occupancy levels have tailed off and the figures for the last three years have been at the 70% level.
Although there are no immediate plans for closure of the business, the planning statement notes that there is no prospect of trading profitably into 2013/14 potentially paving the way for the options currently on the table.
The statement goes on to suggest residential development would introduce a new population and a different demographic to result in a ”greater degree of vibrancy” for the area, while retail development likely to take the form of a convenience store and another unit would provide new choice and variety for convenience and ”walk-in” provision.
”It would improve the vitality and viability of the existing town centre which is limited in the range of available provision and services necessitating outward bound journeys to nearby centres of St Andrews and Cupar,” the agent’s statement continues.
”The new proposals will reduce leakage of expenditure, encourage new businesses and increase local service employment.”
Planning consent in principle has been applied for, although more detailed plans are expected to come forward if that permission is granted by Fife Council.