I'm sure renovation will also create jobs in Surrey?

[Lilly]

Hi guys,

It doesnâ??t help crying about spilled milk but I am saddened by the fact that another hotel with a legacy dating back to the previous century will be replaced.
Moore Place is going to be replaced with a new fancy 50-room hotel!!!
Even though it will create over 70 jobs - I am sure that renovating the place would have made as many jobs and could maybe cost less.
Apparently the site isnâ??t a heritage site anymore, it has been removed. But how can they remove it. :mad: Lady Byron stayed in that hotel!!!
Esher could probably use with a prettier gateway but why canâ??t the government spend the same amount of money on making Moore Place pretty and something for the eye?

Cheers,
Lilly

[Emily-o]

Hi Lilly,
I think whatever they do will in some way be a lose lose situation - whether they build on green belt or demolish a historic building. It seems like the words "green belt" are really losing meaning these days! In ways I would prefer them to demolish a derelict building rather then building on greenbelt - what would you prefer?

I see your point though - the hotel would look great refurbished and jobs in Surrey (http://www.careers-jobs.eu/surrey-jobs)would be created in the process. A new colour on the outside, a modern touch inside - it could work! Or is Moore Place too small?

Did you know that when it was turned into a restaurant (Esteem) it featured in the fourth episode of the first series of Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramsay%27s_Kitchen_Nightmares)

[Lilly]

I’m with you on the green belt issue!!!!
I say, renovate the hotel and stay clear of the green belt. Create a “gateway” through combining the old with the new!!! That to me, would be far more impressive than any fancy hotel they could build.

Glad to see I’m not the only one passionate for this cause!

[Josie]

Hi Guys,

This is something I feel strongly about too! The biggest question I have here is how could they suddenly decide to remove it from the heritage site list? Have they changed something or is it for convenience that they have done this to be able to sell it and make some money?

[alfie]

There seem to be a lot of inconsistent planning decisions being made at the moment - heritage sites, green belt, retrospective permissions being granted for all sorts of things. THe local planning officers have too much power to just make these decisions - good or bad - based on theri own views and opinions.

[Emily-o]

And by the looks of things all other views and opinions are totally ignored at times!

It is a shame that the publicity from Ramsay didn't save the place and it has been under attack for quite some time - in 2006 they wanted to knock it and build a block of flats on it. Residents came together and objected to the plans. Perhaps if the residents really fight for it the plans could be knocked down - or is it a little too late? Are these plans final?

[alfie]

The plans are final, according to the latest story in the Surrey Comet -

"Esher is to lose one of its most historically important buildings after the Government confirmed it would not call in for review a planning application to demolish 18th century Moore Place. Moore Place Holdings submitted plans earlier this year to build a 50-bedroom hotel with 78 car parking spaces and a bar and restaurant, on greenbelt land next to Moore Place along Portsmouth Road.

[Josie]

Its terrible isn't! Its obvious its about the money more than anything else!

Again it comes down to shafting the country to get what you can! Its so annoying! I mean greenbelt land is that for a reason and it should not be built on! Its like they change it as they go along to suit thier own needs and plans!

[alfie]

You're right Josie. We now have "sort of green belt land". Maybe they should rename it "grey belt", as it's certainly a long way from black and white when it comes to local council decisions.

[Josie]

I agree Alfie! But until someone sorts out the people in power in this country everything is up to them and how they feel at the moment! There are no rules for them are there really?

[Lilly]

Has anyone seen “Two weeks notice”? I love Sandra Bullocks character in the movie – who fights for old buildings and lays in front of bulldozers on a yoga mat. I’ve always thought myself someone who would be able to do that…but I guess it is against the law… Not that it will help as you say it’s too late.
However, I don’t think it’s too late to safe the green belt? There are people high up that are fighting for that at least…

[Emily-o]

Haha! "sort of green belt land" love it! It is greenbelt if you are paying us under �£1 mil ;)

I haven't watched that film - but it sounds rather interesting! It is hard for residnets to get their voices heard these days - if there is no risk to our health then it is all ok. Sometimes it feels like if we have no power and lots of money then we won't be listened to. What will get the authorities attention? I doubt petitions mean much to them...

[Josie]

Emily your right only thse with money or power hold any strength over decisions that are made!

We unfortunately cannot change a thing! We can get in the way yes but not change it!

[Emily-o]

I guess whatever the happens people will be unhappy. I know it is hard to please everyone. My grandparents live in berkshire and they completed this survey to do with 'the vision (http://www.westberks.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=3388&p=0)' of their town. Funny that their council ignored resident's views and went with the money making options like car parking charges etc. As long as the council tax doesn't go up anymore eh?

At least jobs will be made either way and they will benefit Esher and surrounding areas. Travelling to Byfleet every day is far enough for me - I don't think i wold like to extend it to Esher! Maybe I'll be on the look out for developments around Woking that will create Woking jobs (http://www.careers-jobs.eu/surrey/woking-jobs).

[Josie]

Emily that would be a welcome thing here I can tell you that! How likely do you think it is to happen though?

Development is not as common as it once was! This crisis has put a stop to many things hasn't it?

[Emily-o]

You are right - not many places are developing, that or offices etc are being built and people are not moving in. I think a lot has just grinded to a hault. All we can do it hope that things pick up again!