PLANNING chiefs are studying proposals to turn one of the New Forest's best-known hotels into a B&B.

Documents submitted by Christopher Legg, owner of the award-winning Cloud Hotel in Meerut Road, Brockenhurst, say the establishment is not a viable business in its present form.

Mr Legg is seeking planning permission to reduce the number of rooms, which currently number 17.

Daily Echo:

The application includes a design and access statement which says the scheme will allow Mr Legg to scale down the hotel and run the business more efficiently as a bed and breakfast.

It adds: "The restaurant, hotel kitchen and lounge can also be reduced to suit the remaining rooms and operate as a tearoom rather than a full restaurant.

"The work will also provide an opportunity to remove the various rear additions that have been added over time."

The statement describes the Cloud Hotel as a "struggling business" where employment has been reduced to a minimum.

It adds: "Downsizing the hotel will enable the business to remain in operation."

The establishment was previously run by Avril Owton, a former Tiller Girl who performed at the London Palladium alongside the likes of Judy Garland, Cilla Black and Bruce Forsyth.

Her business career began in the 1970s, when her husband Tom took over the hotel.

Daily Echo:

After he died in 1991 she updated the building and saw her investment pay off. Profits soared by 800% and in 1995 she was named Hampshire Businesswoman of the Year.

In 2016 she hosted a celebration to mark her four decades at the Cloud Hotel.

Speaking at the time Cllr Alison Hoare, then chairman of New Forest District Council, said: “Avril is the most inspiring woman I have ever met.”

Referring to Tom Owton’s death she added: “When the worst possible thing happened she rolled up her sleeves and turned The Cloud into the wonderful, award-winning hotel it is today.”

Mr Legg said the downturn of the business started about ten years ago as tastes changed.
He said more people were eating out at venues such as farm shops, garden centres and tearooms. There was also more demand for serviced accommodation, including holiday cottages.
Mr Legg added: "We will be returning The Cloud to it’s former self - four cottages, a B&B and tearooms.
"The changes we plan were conceived at least a year ago, long before Covid."