Plans to redevelop derelict Seaton Heights Hotel site with designer holiday homes

Plans have been submitted to replace the derelict Seton Heights Hotel complex with bespoke holiday units and a cafe.

Once a popular holiday resort, the hotel complex has been left empty and dilapidated since its closure in 2005.

Urban explorer and YouTuber Liam Frances, from North Devon, created the above video of the abandoned site in 2019.

The derelict site has become a long-running bone of contention in the town and the subject of several planning applications, all of which have been refused, withdrawn or fallen through after received permission.

In May 2015, permission was granted for the construction of a 12-bedroom hotel, 38 holiday units and a restaurant and leisure complex.

However, applicants Lyme Bay Leisure Ltd. says there is now less demand for hotel and shared accommodation facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a significant increase in demand for individual, self-catering units.

They are now applying for permission to replace the existing hotel complex with 42 two-storey, detached holiday homes, along with an office, cafe with terrace and parking, and self-catering accommodation on the first floor above this.

The individual holiday units will be available to occupy 50 weeks of the year and will be split as follows: 19 four-bedroom units, 14 three-beds, and nine two-beds, each with their own parking.

The development will be visible at a distance from central Seaton and across the river. The applicant says the contemporary design has been developed to provide a "subtle yet positive contribution to this landscape", using timber and glass, and glass balconies to reflect the landscape and sky.

On social media, the plans have been met with mixed reviews. Some residents have welcomed them as a marked improvement on the current derelict site, while others have argued that it should be used for facilities that would directly benefit local residents.

You can currently make comments on the plans on the east Devon District Council website by searching for application number 21/1782/MFUL.