Councillors in Rushmoor have approved plans to convert a 205,000 sq ft office and R&D building into a luxury healthcare and wellness centre – but not without some discord.
R20 Advisory’s plans to change the use of the Royal Pavilion building in Aldershot were considered by Rushmoor Borough Council’s development management committee on May 21.
The scheme is an amended version of a previously-consented application for private healthcare including diagnostics, treatment and ongoing care at the 14-hectare woodland location, a historic site where a lodge for the Royal Family had stood for more than 100 years.
However Cllr Calum Stewart was unhappy about the applicant’s responses to his questions during consultation.
He told the meeting he had asked about the site’s historic Grade II-listed guardhouse and if it could be opened to the public.
Cllr Stewart said: “The applicant’s consultants responded to me today to say that actually – and not subject to details of the application – the applicant may wish to utilise that building for some part of their millionaires’ Botox facility.
“I don’t know what they will be doing in that Grade II-listed building. I’m sure we will find out in the future.”
He added: “It’s disappointing to be asked your opinion, and to be asked to raise issues, but then find the applicant does not really care what you’ve asked, or you’ve not asked something that’s convenient to respond to.”
Planning consultant for the site JLL has been asked for comment.
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