THE Lymm Hotel which famously hosted Brazil during the 1966 world cup is again facing the threat of demolition.
Macdonald Hotels and Resorts Ltd. have written to the local parish council and nearby residents outlinining intentions to develop the site as a residential care home with a block of retirement apartments and a children’s nursery.
They say the hotel has been making increasing losses over the last ten years and due to the declining nature of the business, the continued use is regrettably no longer viable.
In November 2004 an application to build four storey aprtment blocks on the site were thrown out by a government inspector following a public enquiry.
Now in a joint venture partnership with McGoff Group, the owners are now looking to submit an application for planning consent for the proposed mixed use development.
Pre-application consultation has already taken place with Warrington Council.
Local Cllr Ian Marks said: “In November 2004 a planning application to build four-storey apartment blocks on the site of the Lymm Hotel was thrown out by a Government Inspector following a public inquiry.
“The scheme was said to be ‘out of character for the area’. We don’t know the details of this new proposal yet, but there is a strong risk that the apartments planned for the front of the site would be equally out of character.
“The original building at the front has a great deal of charm and it would be a big loss if it were pulled down. The site is not far from a Conservation Area and it is vital that we retain the character of our village. At a time when we are trying to attract more people into Lymm, I find it very disappointing that we may be losing one of our two hotels. It is very sad that McDonald’s has not been able to make it pay. The Hotel’s hosting of the 1966 Brazilian Football team is part of the heritage of our village and this would be lost.
“Until we see the plans it is difficult to comment on the proposed development. There will be issues about highways and access because Whitbarrow Road in the direction of the Golf Club is extremely narrow. There is no bus route nearby for elderly people who would live in the Care Home. There would need to be plenty of space on the site for vehicles because on-street parking would not be acceptable.”
The hotel famously hosted the Brazil World Cup team, including soccer legend Pele in 1966 and in 2016 hosted a successful 50th anniversary event to mark the occasion.
Roger Hunt at the Lymm Hotel during the 50th anniversary exhibition
The Brazil team at the hotel – pictures Eddie Whitham
