A FINAL Planning Inspectorate visit to the planned site of a controversial South Norwood hotel offered little chance for local residents to put their views across.
Planning inspector Clive Tokley conducted a site visit to the derelict old Queens Arms pub on Portland Road on Tuesday.
There is no more time for any further objections to be raised and Mr Tokley now has the final say as to whether or not the Biznest Hotel will go ahead.
The plan to build a 58-bedroom hotel was rejected by Croydon Council in March amid suspicion from local residents it would become a 'dosshouse'.
An appeal was lodged by developers Event Investments and it will now be considered before a final decision is made in the next few months.
But a request by Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell for a public hearing was turned down in October, with only written submissions from residents being considered.
South Norwood historian John Hickman was allowed to attend the site visit as a representative of objecting residents, along with representatives from the council and the developers.
But Mr Tokley would not accept any form of opinion or discussions of residents' concerns during the visit, saying he already had them in writing.
Mr Hickman, of Albert Road, said: "It was unfortunate that it wasn't a hearing.
"I think there was more that should have come out regarding this risible proposal than did so under the circumstances. But I am grateful to meet the planning inspector and it was a valuable experience."
Mr Hickman has collected more than 500 signatures objecting to the proposal.
Event Investments maintain the planned hotel, which is outside the South Norwood conservation area by a matter of metres, is aimed at businesspeople.
The council rejected the application on the grounds of design and parking concerns.
Mr Hickman said: "You can't tell me businesspeople and air hostesses are realistically going to come and stay in South Norwood.
"They say it is going to be £50 a night; you can get cheaper in Croydon."
But Niki Kurt, the owner of neighbouring Portland Café, thought it could attract that sort of clientele, adding: "We have Norwood Junction next to it, so I don't see why not."
