30 Sep 2017

Bid for five-star Dunedin hotel quashed

9:45 am on 30 September 2017

Planners has turned down a bid to build a tall five star inner city hotel in Dunedin, saying it did not meet the required standards needed to gain consent.

An artist's impressions of the view of the proposed central Dunedin hotel from Filleul St.

An artist's impression of the proposed central Dunedin hotel from Filleul Street. Photo: Supplied

NZ Horizon Hospitality Group had proposed a 17-storey development in Moray Place, which included 210 hotel rooms as well as hospitality and conference facilities.

The independent commissioners that heard the application said they noted the visual impact of the proposed development, how it would shade parts of the city centre and its impact on neighbouring heritage buildings.

The developer, Tekapo businessman Anthony Tosswill, said he was very disappointed the application was rejected as he felt there had been overwhelming support in the city for the development.

"We would suggest that 99.99 percent were, however commercial interest have been involved and other people have had their say and we have to respect that, and we do."

He said he would review the committee's report, but would not be appealing the decision.