PLANS for a 22-bedroom hotel in the town centre could encourage wine connoisseurs to enjoy a taste of Petersfield.
That’s the opinion of Hampshire county councillor for Petersfield, Russell Oppenheimer, who also says the proposed hotel on the Red Lion pub’s car park could help turn the town into a top tourist destination.
Mr Oppenheimer, of Russell Way, said: “It would be in a great location, near the rail station and shops and restaurants, which would benefit from more customers.
“Tourism is potentially a great source of income and jobs for Petersfield.
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The growing reputation of national park vineyards could attract connoisseurs to the town.
Mr Oppenheimer said: “Wine tourism could be a good opportunity for Petersfield, people enjoy visiting vineyards and tasting wine.
“But without accommodation it won’t happen. The Great Oak Premier Inn has added more rooms, which is great, and the Red Lion application is good news.
“And it would be nice to see a boutique hotel here.”
The JD Wetherspoon proposal is for a two-storey hotel with a landscaped outdoor seated area and delivery lorry pull in, so lorries won’t block College Street.
The plans can be viewed on the South Downs National Park (SDNP) website at: www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning/planning-applications with reference SDNP/18/00925/FUL.