PROPOSAL C - NEW HOTEL, ST MARYS
The Council will look at the case for and against a new hotel on St. Mary's taking full account of the economic, environmental, social and infrastructure implications all within the context of whether there would be an overall community benefit from any development. This process will involve extensive consultation with the community before a final view is taken.
61. Some suggest that a new hotel on St. Mary's would be desirable with spin off benefits for other businesses. Others, however, argue that it would undermine the attractiveness of St Mary's and would not bring economic benefits. Any such development would have significant impacts on the environment and infrastructure. The extent of community benefit would depend on whether a developer/operator is island or mainland based, the level of imported labour and the quality/pay of any employment opportunities.
62. It is imperative, therefore, that a full and satisfactory assessment is made of all these aspects before we can make a decision.
63. Overall the island's visitor numbers are considered to be at about an appropriate level in the peak months. The emphasis within the industry is therefore on improving the availability of high quality accommodation and raising the value of the tourism product. The demand for a new hotel and a variety of constraints on existing hotels on St Mary's may or may not justify a new facility to contribute to this objective, but a decision can only be taken following the full and detailed investigation and community consultation outlined above.
