Plans to turn North-east village pub into homes

Proposals have been lodged to turn a historic North-east hotel and pub into housing.

ECS Investments Ltd has unveiled plans to turn the former Udny Arms in Newburgh into 18 homes.

If approved, the proposals would see two four-bedroom homes, 10 flats and six terraced houses built on the site.

The decision to build homes in the area comes after the company estimated it would cost at least £750,000 to bring the hotel up to the required standard to make it a competitive business again.

If approved, the granite facade of the building would be kept.

A planning statement, produced by agents Knight Frank on behalf of ECS Investments, states: “The proposals will tidy up a redundant brownfield site situated in a prominent location in Newburgh village centre. The site has been vacant for a considerable period of time and is at risk of becoming even more dilapidated.

“The removal of a potential eyesore from the centre of the village should be welcomed and the proposal to create a modern and attractive residential development will be a positive step. The proposed development will provide a mix of house types, including an element of affordable housing.”

The hotel was formerly owned and operated by Oxford Hotels and Inns who shut the premises in 2013 for significant renovation work due to extensive flooding throughout the hotel.

The bar and restaurant reopened in December 2013 and the hotel in February 2014, however the function suite remained closed.

The premises, including the bar and restaurant, were then put up for sale in September 2014, before being sold to ECS Investments Ltd in March last year.

The statement added: “Retaining and reinstating the building as a hotel and pub use is not an option given the difficult market conditions, (because of) the expenditure required to refurbish the property and bring it up to the required standard, and the increased competition.”