A FORMER hotel which has not been used for guests for five years has been placed on the market for more than £1million.

The Grosvenor Hotel, on Grosvenor Road, Westcliff, has remained out of use since the owner closed the business in 2019.

Councillors have now backed suggestions that it could be transformed into housing to prevent it becoming an eyesore.

The 17-bed hotel has been described as needing “internal modernisation” but as a site that has “opportunity” and the potential to be turned into private housing by Estate Agent Dedman Gray.

James Courtenay, councillor responsible for the Chalkwell ward, backed the building being turned into housing but raised concerns over its potential to become a house of multiple occupancy.

He said: “I think that the site has got potential for housing as obviously if the hotel need is not there, then I don’t have an objection to that.

“But, my concern always with these properties is what they get turned into. My concern would be if it was turned into a HMO.

“If it turned into housing or flats, it could work, especially with the room for parking on site.

“There are opportunities for different avenues. It is a good opportunity for someone.

“I want it to be actively in use so it does not become an eyesore.

“So I will be supportive of the building being put back into some use. But, I am just concern if it were to be turned in HMO, given other HMOs present in area. There are not enough facilities to cope with that.”

The hotel was previously listed on the market back in 2022, by a different estate agent but failed to attract a buyer.

However, the site is still yet to be purchased.

The hotel comes with 17 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms based across three floors.

There is lift access provided along with kitchen facilities should the new owner wish to maintain the building’s use as a hotel.

There is also off road parking for eight cars and a rear garden for outside space.

To view the advert, visit rightmove.co.uk/properties/86672838#/?channel=COM_BUY