UPDATED plans to build a three-storey hotel in Southampton look set to be given the go-ahead.
London-based BMR Compass Ltd is seeking consent to redevelop the car park beside Compass House, once home to legendary mapmakers Ordnance Survey.
Plans for a 73-bedroom hotel on the site in Romsey Road, Maybush, were backed by city councillors in 2021.
Now members of the authority's planning and rights of way panel are being recommended to approve proposals for an 82-room complex at their meeting on February 21.
READ MORE: Hotel plans for former Ordnance Survey site given the green light
A council report says: "The applicants have been in discussions with a hotel operator and now seek to amend the application.
"The amendments comprise a small reduction in the building's footprint and an increase in the number of bedrooms.
"The number of parking spaces has also been increased from 73 to 82 to retain the ratio of one space per hotel bedroom.
"The applicants are seeking changes to the supported scheme so that the building is more suited to the operator's specifications and standard room types.
"A reduction in room sizes is a market decision and is not a reason to refuse planning permission.
"The design of the hotel was previously found to be acceptable by the council. Whilst the dominant character of buildings in the area is two-storey, the surrounding context has no uniform character.
"It is considered that the bulk, scale and mass of the proposed hotel still adequately reflects the three-storey height of buildings to the north and south.
"Furthermore, the hotel would still not exceed the height of Compass House as an increase in height is not proposed. The width of the hotel is also considered acceptable."
The report says the scheme will deliver a "significant improvement" to the site's appearance.
Referring to nearby housing it adds: "The development is unlikely to cause direct significant harm in terms of overshadowing, privacy or visual impact due to the distance between the site and the closest residential properties."
The application includes the result of an assessment carried out by property experts Savills.
It cites the "demonstrated demand" for a new hotel in Southampton and the "significant under-provision" of guest accommodation in the western suburbs, where Compass House is situated.
It also says the proposed development is in keeping with changes that have occurred in the area.
Councillors are being recommended to approve the scheme, subject to conditions and the completion of a legal agreement.
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