A group of around 20 local residents met in Queens Avenue (N10) on Saturday 1st Marchto voice their objection to a possible new hotel.

53-55 Queens Avenue, the old Queens Lodge rest home, is currently being converted into flats. However, the owner has now submitted an application to change the building into a hotel.

The residents are objecting because the site is on the residential end of Queens Avenue, which is also a conservation area. An additional major concern is that another hotel will further exacerbate the parking problems on the road.

Lib Dem Councillor Matt Davies attended Saturday’s demonstration. He has been following the building work for over 6 months and has previously objected to aspects of the plans.

Commenting, Cllr Davies (Fortis Green) said:

“I am very concerned about the way planning applications for this site have been dealt with all along and the lack of consultation with local residents.

“When a request was made to change the number of approved rooms in the new flats from ten to twelve I objected – and was even told that such a request would be turned down. Later we found out that the owner has now been given permission to build twelve flats!

“The Council must listen to local residents this time. A hotel at this end of Queens Avenue would be inappropriate, unpopular and unnecessary.”