Grey Friars, Colchester

Instruction – Acquisition feasibility advice and planning project management and heritage advice for high quality boutique hotel

Client – OMC Investments Ltd

Project Details – Grey Friars is a large Grade II* listed complex which lies within a designated Conservation Area on the edge of Colchester Town Centre. The client acquired the property in 2008 with the aim of converting it from an Adult Education Centre into a high quality Boutique Hotel with associated bar, restaurant and car parking. Given the architectural and historic significance of the site special attention was given to design and heritage considerations. Planning and listed building consent was granted in May 2011 and OMC Investments Ltd are due to open the hotel in 2015

LPP’S role

– Planning strategy advice
– Liaison and negotiations with English Heritage and Local Planning Authority
– Project management of planning process and masterplan preparation
– Heritage asset assessment
– Co-ordinated community consultation exercise
– Preparation and submission of planning and listed building consent applications
– Discharge of conditions