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Plans to convert a seafront hotel into short-term student accommodation have been approved. The former Chatsworth Hotel on Carlisle Parade, Hastings, will now be used by Buckswood School to house international students attending its language programme. The plans were approved by Hastings Borough Council on Tuesday, March 19.
The hotel, which has not operated as a traditional hotel for several years, was most recently used to provide emergency accommodation for refugees. However, this use was never formalised via a change of use application, according to the council. The building is located on the seafront near Hastings Town Centre and within walking distance of Hastings Old Town.
Buckswood School will use the property to house students on its 'Buckswood Lions' summer school programme, offering English lessons and activities to pupils aged 11 to 18 years old. READ NEXT: Striking 19th century church could be at risk of demolition The Chatsworth Hotel initially closed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Subsequently, between 2022 and 2024, the Home Office used the property to house asylum seekers, though this was never officially sanctioned.
The property was reportedly in a "dilapidated state" when acquired by its current owners. According to a tourism statement, significant upgrades would have been necessary to continue using it as a hotel. While the lack of formal justification for the change of use would usually be unacceptable, the council acknowledged the proposed use of the site as beneficial.
The building's new function will not only bring a vacant property back into use but will also create jobs for 15 full-time employees. READ NEXT: Security shutters planned for council offices following repeated criminal damage The council said: "The use of the property to provide short-stay accommodation and teaching facilities for international students will create job opportunities and result in international students staying within the town centre for short periods throughout the year, which could potentially boost the income and footfall of local businesses, restaurants and shops. "As such, the development proposal will be of benefit to the tourist economy within Hastings.
" Some rooms are to be repurposed to provide classroom and training facilities, a canteen, break-out rooms, and an internal refuse store. READ NEXT: Major restaurant chain told 'improvement necessary' after hygiene inspection Buckswood School, a private institution for boys and girls, was founded in 1933. Originally located in Uckfield and known as Buckswood Grange School, it relocated in 2000 to the village of Guestling between Rye and Hastings in East Sussex.
The school purchased the former Chatsworth Hotel, which ceased operations on February 9, 2024, for accommodation purposes. The Indian restaurant, Jali, which was on the hotel’s ground floor, also closed at the same time..
