Case study
Cathedral Hotel
Listed hotel renovation with a new rooftop bar
The challenge
DevComms were instructed by Larasian to assist in the strategic promotion and community engagement in relation to proposals to renovate the listed Cathedral Hotel building and provide a new roof top bar. The proposals were extremely sensitive given the site’s proximity to Salisbury Cathedral and against the planning policy context to protect the spire’s prominence in Salisbury’s skyline.
Our approach
DevComms undertook comprehensive engagement with Salisbury’s business community to secure strategic support for the significant investment in Salisbury City Centre and for meeting the clear gap for high-quality hotel accommodation in the city. Political and community engagement was also essential, including focussed meetings with the local MP, ward representatives at Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council. DevComms also undertook a widescale mailing and hosted local events.
The outcome
Despite a recommendation for refusal from council officers, politicians resolved to support the proposals and overturned the officer recommendation. The proposals were supported by a wide array of local business and economic stakeholders with numerous local figures speaking in support of the proposals. Salisbury City Council supported the principle of the proposed development and local politicians spoke in support at the Planning Committee meeting.
