Flats opposite Goring's exclusive suites get go-ahead

A scheme to build 23 affordable flats near the Goring in London, opposite some of the hotel's most expensive suites, has been given the go-ahead despite objections from the Goring's owners.

The hotel objected to plans by the Duke of Westminster's Grosvenor Estate to build the flats on the basis that they threatened the seclusion of its garden rooms, which sell from £700 to £8,500 a night. The flats are being built as part of the development of the new 190-bedroom Peninsula London hotel, which has just been given the go-ahead by Westminster City Council.

The Goring's chief executive Jeremy Goring said in a letter to Westminster Council objecting to the plans that they represented a "real threat to our livelihood".

However, the Goring welcomed improvements that were being made to the flats, which took on board some of his hotel's objections.

Following a decision by Westminster planning chiefs to give the scheme the green light at a meeting on Tuesday night Goring told the London Evening Standard: "Thanks to our letter to the council and the negotiations it set in place…some great improvements have been made to this building including double glazing, moving plants up on to the roof, and the provision of a second entrance.

"I think the new tenants in this development will really benefit from these upgrades."

Robert Davis, the council's deputy leader, said: "This is an exciting and important development… We have a responsible landlord that has an interest in the area, so we have a package that will benefit everybody."

The Goring plays down royal suite flats row >>

The Goring's David Morgan-Hewitt wins global GM award >>

Quirky and humorous: the Goring's new lobby >>

Looking for a job? See all the current hotel vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs >>