A CONTROVERSIAL application to build a hotel in South Norwood looks dead in the water after The Planning Inspectorate dismissed an appeal by developers.
Event Investments wanted to convert the old Queens Arms pub on Portland Road into a 58-room hotel for business people.
Planning inspector Clive Tokley carried out a site visit last month to assess the developer's final appeal against Croydon Council's decision to refuse planning permission last March.
However, despite local residents' concerns there fears had not been heard properly by Mr Tokley, the appeal has not been successful.
John Hickman, a local historian who has campaigned against the hotel, has welcomed the decision.
Mr Hickman said: "This is a hugely important decision for South Norwood, not least because it sends the signal that South Norwood is a community that is no longer prepared to have speculative developments imposed upon it.
"Clearly the voice of over 600 petitioners counted as well as those of the North Croydon Conservation Area, The Norwood Society, South Norwood Residents Association and Rescue South Norwood.
"This is an excellent example of the ethos of localism working."
Mr Hickman and other anti-hotel campaigners had previously expressed their doubts as to the hotel's true purpose and feared it might become a 'dosshouse'.
Although Event Investments denied this, Croydon Council rejected the hotel plan on the grounds of its design and parking.
The Advertiser has contacted Event Investments as to its future plans for the site but is yet to receive a response.
