A HOTEL which has been operating for 18 months is only now seeking planning permission and 132 people have written to the council to argue it should be closed.

The Abbeyfield Lodge B&B and guesthouse, on Abbeyfield Drive, Eaglescliffe, was previously a care home but started operating as a hotel in March 2015, without obtaining official ‘change of use’ permission.

Objectors have written to Stockton Borough Council arguing there’s a restrictive covenant that the property can only be used for over 55s.

But the council’s planning officers have recommended approval because there is no adverse impact on the surrounding areas or Yarm Town Centre.

The application is for a 14-bedroom hotel, dining room, kitchen and office, which already exist. However there would also be a single storey extension to the office if permission is granted.

Objectors have raised a number of issues about the hotel, arguing that: there are safeguarding issues for children as the hotel is so close to Junction Road Primary School, traffic and road safety problems, no need for a hotel and the possibility of anti-social behaviour by the hotel’s guests.

Mark Barlow said: “I write as a parent governor of Junction Farm school responsible for health and safety of pupils and staff. I am also a parent with children that use the adjacent Butterfield breakfast and after school club. I strongly object, principally because the proposed change of use is inappropriate to this location on the grounds of maintaining safeguarding of the school and private nursery.”

Mrs Kathryn Van der Graaf objected on the same grounds. She said: “Disappointed to see the application being launched again during the school holidays; potentially trying to avoid objections from the school whilst away.”

Planning officers have recommended that the hotel be required to glaze first floor windows in recognition of its proximity to the school. However it was noted that the police have no objections and never been called to the hotel. The council’s Highways Transport and Environment department also has no objections.

The restrictive covenant that the property only be used by over 55s does not affect whether permission should be granted under current planning rules. However the applicant would need to contact the council if permission was granted and seek to vary the covenant. Failure to do so could cause legal problems for the owners.

The planning committee meet on Wednesday, November 9 at 1.30pm in Stockton Central Library.