A developer has submitted revised plans for a hotel in Southwark after its first proposals were rejected.  

Endurance Land wants to build a 169-room, eight-storey hotel with a roof terrace, along with office space in the carpark behind 160 Blackfriars Road. 

The original plans, rejected by a Southwark planning committee in 2018, included 220 rooms and were two storeys higher – an appeal was also dismissed.  

Councillors argued there was already enough tourist provision in the area and were concerned that some hotel rooms would have no windows.  

The height of the scheme was also an issue.  

According to the new planning statement: “The scheme has been revisited to directly respond to the feedback of the Planning Inspectorate.  

“This has included significantly reducing the scale and height of the building, a more conventional and neutral architectural design, a more welcoming and defined public realm and courtyard and a reduction in the number of hotel beds.” 

The developer reduced the height to just under 30 metres.  

Ruby Hotels, a German ‘lifestyle hotel’ operator, is the top choice if the plans are approved.  

Designed again by EPR Architects, the proposals include a courtyard for local workers and residents dubbed ‘Friars Yard’, while affordable work space will also be available.  

“The affordable work space provision is accessed via Friars Yard.  

“The space is being made available to local groups and start-ups to encourage local business development and community groups through the provision of low cost work space.  

“The developer is actively looking for to secure an operator/charity for the affordable Community workspace,” according to the planning statement. 

Endurance Land say the hotel provision is expected to bring more than 80,000 extra visitors to the area every year and estimates that guest will spend nearly £9 million per year locally. 

The application will be decided by a planning committee at a date yet to be set.