The White Hart Hotel’s bid for planning permission to build a new swimming pool and spa has been criticised by a professional archaeologist, who claims it will destroy ‘nationally significant’ remains.
The hotel, located in the historic Bailgate area of Lincoln, has already begun preliminary excavations underneath the hotel where the swimming pool and spa facilities will be located.
Dr. Samantha Stein says, however, that excavations should not take place, and disrupting the archaeological record underneath the hotel should warrant substantial ‘public benefit’.
Dr. Stein has created a Facebook page aimed at rallying the people of Lincoln behind prioritising the city’s rich heritage.
57 comments from the public have been lodged under the planning application on the City of Lincoln’s council planning application portal so far.
Andrew Long, local business owner and owner of the White Hart Hotel, in response to the criticism states:
“The archaeological and heritage team selected by Travel Sector Property Group (freehold owners and operators of the White Hart Hotel) were chosen specifically for their local expertise and familiarity with the history and conditions of the surrounding area to the hotel.”
“The significance of the archaeology has been taken into account when designing the construction of the pool.” He adds.
