A planning application has been submitted to keep a former hotel in Hatfield as a YMCA hostel until 2026, despite plans already being approved for 142 new homes on the site.

The proposal would see Beales Hotel, opposite The Galleria in Comet Way, remain as a hostel, known as Hatfield Lodge, until March 31, 2026, with YMCA having occupied the site in since 2021.

According to the application, extended use as a hostel is needed to house residents who lived in the former Peartree Hostel in Welwyn Garden City, which is being redeveloped and is expected to be completed in 2025.

"The property has been occupied by YMCA since 2021, providing essential accommodation for 53 individuals who have been displaced from the Peartree Hostel in Welwyn Garden City," the planning and design statement reads. 

"Peartree is due for completion in December 2025, at which time some or all of the residents at Hatfield Lodge will relocate back into the new accommodation.

"Continued use of the property for a further three months beyond the estimated completion of Peartree is required for contingency purposes. This timescale also aligns with YMCA’s lease on the property.

"As an organisation, One YMCA is committed to providing high quality accommodation and support to those most vulnerable members of the local community, with the aim being to help people to progress onwards towards independence and independent living.

"They have a dedicated and experienced team which provides a specialist range of person-centric support to homeless individuals within the borough."

Plans for 142 new homes on the site were approved earlier this year.Plans for 142 new homes on the site were approved earlier this year. (Image: Hatfield Park Homes/Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council)

The family-run Beales Hotel closed down in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was immediately sold to building firm HG Construction Ltd, based in Hitchin.

Hatfield Park Homes Ltd applied to turn the site into 142 new homes last year, but the application was deferred due to no public consultation taking place.

Then, in February this year, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council councillors voted to approve the plans, despite concerns being raised about a lack of affordable housing and no social housing being included in the application.

To view the hostel application, visit planning.welhat.gov.uk/Search/, and search 6/2024/1363/FULL.