Achi news desk-
The Dolphin Hotel is believed to be the oldest hotel in the city and is said to have welcomed Jane Austen, Queen Victoria and Admiral Lord Nelson in its heyday.
An application to change the designation of the Grade II* listed building submitted by Dolphin Hotel Properties Ltd. is currently being considered by the planning officers at the city council.
The proposal for the High Street site drew objections from the Association of Southampton Tourist Guides, Southampton Town Society and the Old Town Community Forum, as well as residents.
Four councilors submitted objections during the consultation period, which has now closed.
Bargate District Councilor Sarah Bogle said: “This is a historic, public-facing building with a rich 18th century heritage and Jane Austen associations.
“This diversion could also harm the city’s ambitions in the destination management plan to increase tourism and visitors.
“I understand that hotels are a viable commercial concern and this should be explored further with a new operator rather than allowing this change of use.”
The Hampshire branch of the Jane Austen Society said next year is the 250th anniversary of the author’s birth, with Southampton expected to be part of the celebrations.
The group’s submission to the request states: “Although we are not enthusiastic about the proposed change of designation, it means that the building will have a future that it does not currently have. It is better than the building [being] It is allowed to become abandoned.”
An objection was also lodged by the owner of an independent bookshop in America, who said they were serving the “international community of Jane Austen fans and scholars”.
In their comment they said: “I ask that you consider the cultural importance of the Dolphin Inn as the only remaining structure in Southampton with Jane Austen connections.
“As we approach next year’s 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, many of our customers and friends are traveling to the UK to visit Jane Austen’s sites.”
The hotel, which dates back more than 500 years, is where Jane Austen celebrated her 18th birthday.
The premises were recently used to provide temporary housing for asylum seekers.
The change of use will mean that all 99 hotel rooms will become student rooms, with attached bathrooms.
A letter submitted on behalf of the applicant by Savills stated: “This rezoning will ensure ongoing employment and can fund the improvements required to the fabric of the building to ensure sustainable use of this important listed building in the long term.”
Savills said operating a hotel on the site was no longer viable and the landowner was carefully considering alternative uses.
