Is this why so many Blackpool hotels are derelict?

A local property developer tells us why he thinks Blackpool Council's occupancy restrictions on holiday lets are the reason why investors are put off buying rundown or derelict hotels.
Granada Apartments Blackpool www.granadaapartments.uk
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[@juliefoster2812]

There seems to be no problem for the council to give the go ahead to throwing up horrible square glass and concrete buildings and spoiling the character of Blackpool but not for a project like this.He is obviously very knowledgeable and has the finances to improve existing buildings.

[@Finglesham]

Brown envelopes , perhaps?

[@trevordickenson3196]

Difference there is Blackpool Council is responsible for a lot of the new building developments so in effect is giving itself planning permission

[@reneschaefer4027]

@@Finglesham I rather sue them for breach of competition law

[@brianrobinson7984]

@@reneschaefer4027 funny you said that. I just commented that perhaps a few 'brown envelopes' or the threat/implementation of costly litigation could be the best way forward. The council appear to have no issues with allowing the bigger players (and their friends) permission for their schemes. It's as if they don't want the little people to have a stake in this town which is crazy considering it was built upon those very same values. You seem like a good man who could be a great asset to my hometown, wishing you the best of luck.

[@elizaphe58]

A Big Building Contractor from the Flyde area told me the other year! Too many greasing each others palms! That's why it's such a mess! I hope the Investor does take legal action.I wonder over the years how many Hotel Properties were not fit for purpose and breached planning laws but Brown Envelopes were handed out!

[@jennybates]

It's an absolute disgrace that this place isn't being granted the permits needed to fully restore it.

[@leegorman8322]

Long [long] overdue, Jen 👍

[@dougaldouglas8842]

As an ex-business counsellor, advisor, I have occasionally met with council machinations. There is an open market shopping complex, in Chorley, that at the beginning had almost all of the 22 units left empty because of the council. I took the council to task, and it was like banging your head against a wall. The council capitulated and changed the restrictions on lettings, which then led to all the units being snapped up, and the business tax that had been lost came in. Does Blackpool council not understand that they can gather in taxes by lifting restrictions. Another case of a council sitting pretty, because monies are coming in. No business sense in councils, only ignorance and arrogance.

[@DMC888]

That’s the problem, they have no business sense. Entrepreneurial people don’t work for councils.

[@dougaldouglas8842]

@@DMC888 I have done work for councils and they are mad, completely mad, that is blatantly obvious, are living in a world of chaos, and yet you would not think it, and with their own language, that calls a spade a digging implement that is used to remove matter from out of the surface of the earth. It is a fecking spade.

[@elainethomson5826]

Well said 😊

[@csabakarasz]

I am wondering if the council will answer this ....

[@trackiedude]

From what i hear off my friends in Blackpool who are all in the hospitality and entertainment industry, the Council are a nightmare to deal with.

[@reneschaefer4027]

The threat number one for entrepreneurs in Blackpool is the council, number two the shortage of cleaning staff due to the generous benefit payments to everyone who chooses not to work, number three the high building material costs, number four the higher interest rates and last but not least the looming recession. The biggest recession is just a tiny problem comparing with the bad impact of the council's decisions. Why must the council be a threat for they own citizen? I hope this will change after the next election.

[@duncanletts3015]

Very interesting video, surely refurbishment of run down buildings in Blackpool should be encouraged & Rene obviously has substantial financial backing.

[@naysmith5272]

its great that he has so much enthusiasm for taking on that building challenge.

[@keithjackson8076]

Yes and he also significantly threatens the entrenched vested interests here. I have personal experience on a lesser level of how they play the game.

[@moonagedaydream4489]

I totally agree Duncan x

[@paulh2107]

I suspect, once the new multi million pound development in place of Bonny street market is up and running then Blackpool will boom, I think these "regulations" are to put prospective developers off, so that later down the line "favoured" developers will buy them up cheaply and get all the permissions they like.

[@elizaphe58]

Just what a big Building Contractor told me back in 2017!

[@patriciahadley2374]

You could be right you know, though having a council which would stoop to such squalid levels (💰💰💰cough cough) would be...I'd better not say anymore.

[@junelaw4162]

How sad for him he is trying to make Blackpool a better place what a fantastic view he would have what’s wrong with BP I feel so sorry for him 😊

[@davidoakley3812]

Hotels are been converted to house migrants this will stop people from coming who wants to walk around Blackpool and feel scared the council have put thousands up in hotels up and down Blackpool from the Metropole right up to norbreak

[@robbflynn4325]

Blackpool council bemoaning occupancy levels when they are complicit with filling to bursting hotels and houses with overseas guests.

[@jjumage9487]

Blackpool Council should be ashamed of themselves! This is why Blackpool is looking so run down! These could be beautiful houses. And would make the areas look much nicer, to have such wonderful houses developed by people like Renee! Great video, and hope this gets some press attention. Maybe the council will reconsider some of their very bad decisions that are letting Blackpool and the people down. They would rather let drug dealers and pigeons live in these places! Good luck Renee! I really feel for you.

[@reneschaefer4027]

thank you for your support

[@karenrobinson7414]

Would be great if you would do follow ups on this and let us know how his works going. Blackpool Council are an absolute disgrace

[@asa1973100]

Blackpool certainly needs more people like Man

[@moonagedaydream4489]

It's absolutely disgusting that Rene has been treated so badly. Everything he is trying to do can only be seen as positive for Blackpool. My heart went out to him, he seems like a very nice guy, with fantastic ideas. It makes you wonder if possibly someone at the council holds a personal grudge against him. I would have thought most towns would welcome people like Rene, who are willing to invest their time and money, that's clearly not the case in Blackpool. Absolutely brilliant video Stephen, thank you for highlighting this story xx

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Moonage xx

[@rosiew1952]

totally agree with you 100%

[@emmaslifeonline6507]

It's absolutely ridiculous!! When someone wants to make the properties look nice and the council put a stop on it. I hope the council wake up and get things moving so Rene can carry on.

[@janesmith3105]

What an eye opener, thank you for this video. Blackpool Council needs to speak up as to why refusing planning permission. So sad to see so many hotels derelict.

[@bennoselton]

I really like this Rene dude. Seems like a really hard working, enthusiastic guy. I hope it all works out for him. BPL council don't seem to want to help. Can't understand why they wouldn't want people investing

[@JenniferSW3]

I have lived in a many towns and cities over the years and you quickly get a feel of how the council is run very quickly and there overall approach to things. Blackpool council are very backward in their thinking, they are hard to communicate with, do not embrace change and rather like over charging residents extortionate council tax fees, like nothing I have ever seen in my life, and for what? the town is in need of people like this gentleman. He is brave taking on such an obstinate council.

[@JohnStokes-c1o]

It would be interesting to see what the council have to say about it. Would be good if they came on video and explained their thinking.

[@atomichobo]

Exactly what I was thinking. Would like to hear the other side.

[@Coastsandcoasters]

A definite follow up is required!

[@maccate6868]

The council needs to be held to account on this. Blackpool Council get on video with Stephen and tell us why you are letting the town down. And if they won’t let good things happen, what do the council want to happen? I’m sure not a load of derelict properties and no visitors. Because that’s what will happen. Maybe they are hoping for huge government investment so they can be smug that they have done it and polish their huge political egos.

[@SeaDragon1]

Well done Rene for telling your story. I have been inside Rene's apparthotels for a tour around and they are a fantastic place for families to holiday. Finished to an exceptional standard and immaculately clean and fresh. My Blackpool project also ground to a halt after planning refused unless I demolish the rear of the building to make a garden! Used to have planning for holiday lets but they have moved the holiday zone and now will grant no more permissions. The council about to crack down on all the air bnb's which they will insist are closed. Seems like Blackpool council have their own rules and regulations. They told me that there would be no point in applying for a roof terrace as the planning department would refuse it. This is despite there being no objections from my neighbours who are all happy to see the squatters removed and the property renovated.

[@reneschaefer4027]

Thank you for your support Sandra. I think the only way forward is to write a formal complaint on the council's website and than escalate the case to the ombudsman.

[@jamesw2414]

Gosh, how awful. Come on, Blackpool Council, pull your finger out! Well done, Stephen, for branching out into documentaries too!

[@juliec70]

Evening Stephen, Evening everyone 😀 they wonder why these beautiful buildings are derelict when they won't let people like that man do it up 😔

[@TheDigitalblue]

very interesting background information, anyone have any ideas why Blackpool council/authorities are so RELUCTANT to change and renovation?

[@paulh2107]

If i were him i'd be starting to think somebody at the council has a grudge against him.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

It does seem that way.

[@johnkelly1083]

A lot of people who work for councils are incompetent.

[@elizaphe58]

@@johnkelly1083 frightened of rocking the boat!

[@ishabrown]

Renee could be seen as a threat maybe, but he can potentially make Blackpool a dynamic place with his investment, plus it will contribute to the local economy. What a shame - he seems a decent, hardworking developer

[@brianhiggins3090]

Wow Stephen. What a ridiculous demand from Blackpool Council. The two hotels in Osborne Road I know very well, The New Osborne Hotel is next door to the hotel my late mum and brother had. The Shirley Dean Hotel, I know very well too surely it's a benefit to all concerned including Blackpool Council, having a guy like him converting these run down no longer wanted hotels, into upmarket apartments it's a non brainer. If it was Amanda Thompson applying you can bet your life on it getting passed, feel really sorry for the guy. Great video.👍

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Hi Brian. Do you know Derek & Pat, who used to run the New Osbourne? I've known them for years.

[@brianhiggins3090]

@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool Hi Stephen, yes I know them well but the last time I saw them, was at my brothers funeral in Blackpool, they had the new osborne hotel when my mum and brother had the Kumara hotel next door, Derek wasn't a well man I think he's got parkinsons. Very nice couple.

[@jennybates]

Council needs kicking out!

[@ianmoore6494]

This is one of the reasons why we don't come to Blackpool because of the volume of run down B&B and hotels. Just have a walk around the back road of the sea front and it's a mess. It seems like the problem is Blackpool council. Thanks for letting us know what is happening hope it can get sorted before it's to late.

[@leeshepherd6512]

I’d love to hear the councils justification for these stipulations.

[@Ruddigore]

This developer is definitely an optimistic chap. If it were me I think I would be in permanent tears. So much of Blackpool is is desperate need of attention and it appears at this rate it's going to remain that way for many years to come. When I see how many properties on the prom are derelict, let alone the back streets, it makes me very sad indeed.

[@trevordickenson3196]

I was also thinking he seems optimistic considering his continued set back's with Blackpool Council, bad enough with one property but he got more than one.

[@reneschaefer4027]

The Blackpool council the one of the main reasons for the poverty! But it needs someone to stand up and fight against them. They will get done for breach of competition law!

[@elizaphe58]

What are the Council hoping for let the properties on the front become derelict then compulsory purchase them then sell off the Land to some Big Brand Hotel Chain. Everytime I visit I have the same conversation with my Husband about what has been and how it should be improved.I walk from the Airport down into the Town the difference in areas is huge.I walk South Prom right down past North Promenade. A Town by the Sea should be thriving .

[@Christopher-m81]

Sour Grapes from the people at the council. Fantastic piece Stephen. Would like to see more like this on the channel.

[@LancashireLass37]

I'm here in Virginia...makes me sad that the council is keeping Blackpool a permanent eye sore... don't understand why. Who are these people?

[@darrenmeears3912]

Blackpool Council are not alone in putting obstacles in the way of property developers all round the country they would rather see a building fall down all Councils are short sighted it's about time local people had more say on what goes on around them POWER TO THE PEOPLE 👍🏻

[@martinjarvis8312]

He is a really nice man a lot of people would of given up already but this man stays optimistic Blackpool needs people like this man to bring the area into the 21st century

[@reneschaefer4027]

Thank you Martin for your support!

[@martinjarvis8312]

@@reneschaefer4027 Rene I hope the council see sense at some point I can’t understand why they won’t allow you to fulfil your plans Blackpool has always been a popular resort however some people are put off by poor accommodation your investment can only do good for the area. Good luck for the future.

[@reneschaefer4027]

@@martinjarvis8312 all my appart hotels have reviews between 9.2 and 9.6

[@kevinparkes9068]

First class video Stephen you have excelled with this one and hopefully it will shame Blackpool planning into rethinking or better still someone from the government sees it and takes action against Blackpool Council! Keep up the amazing work and don't forget the beach shots 😉😁

[@reneschaefer4027]

@The Uninvited Guest Thank you for your support! Even though I try to smile in the video I have sleepless nights but I am the kind of person who never gives up and I can become a big threat to those who think they can stop me. Blackpool Council can get done and fines for breaching the competion law.

[@LFC4LIFEJEDI]

It's Blackpool Council, they have been the same for as long as I remember (40+ years) it's always been about how much money you can line the pockets of the local councilors.

[@shanebyrne7020]

Stephen you are an amazing ambassador for Blackpool with your great videos 👏👏

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Shane.

[@reneschaefer4027]

I really love that Stephen now not only walk on the wild site but also talks about the wild side! The is the essence of mastery journalism.

[@ScottishNSRailFan]

Thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. BCC are holding back the town, from major improvements. Our regular visits to Blackpool we see more dereliction and now understand why. Great viewing.

[@waynepaxford7263]

Very interesting video Stephen Its a massive shame for that man he trying to make blackpool better place to live but the council wants Blackpool to fail he got excellent ideas for these places let's hope he will get good news soon

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

It does seem a bit that way Wayne.

[@moonagedaydream4489]

Well said Wayne x

[@jacquelinemccann1493]

Hi Stephen, such a sad story no wonder there are so many derelict hotels😞

[@snowmanbuzzfm]

What a change from the regular videos Stephen...but I really enjoyed that. Hats off to Rene for his passion and determination. It's absolutely obvious to most people I would think that if one person fly tips rubbish and the council do not clean it up fast...other people will also fly tip...and so on and so on. The same with property. Let it fall into decline and sooner or later other properties will go the same way. Clean an area up however and inject some pride back into a place and again...others will follow suit. The council and their planning laws at local level are running parts of Blackpool into the ground imo. Disgusting.

[@OfflineSetup]

not so sure what the "other side" is. I have seen whole area of Blackpool being taken over by "DSS" that dragged down what was a okay(ish) area into a s hole.

[@andymullaney1594]

Rene what hard work you do,we all need to speak our minds ,get things changed,from this video ,like bonny Street market , council don't care family businesses,we got to stand up to all this

[@geoffreyberndt2666]

A fascinating but shocking video Stephen, Rene (hope it’s the correct spelling) clearly knows his stuff and was very very interesting to listen to having walked the painful walk. I love Blackpool a lot and as such it’s deeply disturbing to see Blackpool Councils backward thinking policies and actions, Renewal of Blackpool can involve both large corporate and smaller private investors together, it’s not the sole domain of the large corporate investors. A brilliant video Stephen and needed airing.

[@reneschaefer4027]

Thank you for your support Geoffrey!

[@Coastsandcoasters]

A fascinating video. If you were to explore more issues like this, I, for one would find them interesting. Not only that, by raising issues about the town you love, there’s always the chance you could prompt change. The council look bad in this light, refusing investment into the local economy, when Blackpool drastically needs it. I know it’ll be more “complicated” than that, but it will boil down to money; specifically then losing out short term.

[@dazzlerbob1870]

Absolutely disgusting. This is the reason so many people are saying the town is run down. Why?

[@maxinemcgrath1756]

Omg. My heart goes out to this man. Blackpool council should be ashamed of themselves for not investing in rene... Its awful situation. Rene is trying so hard to renovate theese properties into nicer properties but council not interested. Take this video to northwest news and local papers. Maybe bc might help rene then. Very interesting video stephen. Thank you. Take care. 👍👍🙂

[@reneschaefer4027]

Thank you for your support Maxine.

[@maxinemcgrath1756]

@@reneschaefer4027 thank you for staying positive. 👍👍😊

[@georgesmellie8717]

Thanks for another brilliant vlog i think Blackpool Council need to change their rules no wonder there is so many empty hotels

[@johnpate2835]

The council are buying properties and refurbishing them themselves. There’s three hotels at the top of our street that the council have bought and turned them into three five bedroom houses. I don’t suppose a buyer or landlord would be allowed to do that. May be it’s their intention to wait until people are desperate and pick them up for nothing.

[@abdullahmohammady7568]

And they will fill them with immigrants no doubt.

[@jayoneill1533]

Congratulations on 40k subs Stephen, well done Mate.

[@TelThePower]

I have 2 thoughts on this Stephen, it's absolutely disgraceful from the council, would they rather have buildings looking derelict and in disrepair, I wonder how many other councils have similar policies also, Rene not only comes across as a decent chap, extremely easy going too! Point 2 - I bet if he was willing to take in illegal immigrants, the government would talk to the council to drop that policy & he could house as many as could fit in the building... Disgusting! I wish Rene all the best in all his ventures & hope that the council gain common sense! 👍 Great vlog too Stephen 👏

[@elizaphe58]

I live in Trafford the North of it.Old Trafford any Office block now is an apartment block! they are building in the car parks too.Trafford passed now to build a Civic Area taking in the Town Hall close to Lancashire Cricket Ground Manchester Utd.Student accommodation being built too.These are huge projects seems that's all Councils want nowadays!

[@juliemcgarty4764]

Felt so sorry for Rene all his hard work to get these hotels up and running to be let down by the council then to lose his money so sad I hope he gets to open these hotels he will have them lovely

[@johnowen5686]

Interesting video Stephen, interviews like this I am sure your subscribers will enjoy 😊

[@davidcartwright1271]

Certainly makes the mind boggle. Come on Blackpool council planners smell the coffee. If it brings in holidaymakers, it brings in jobs and income to the area. Keep fighting on Renne

[@MONKEYTROUSERS-mv8lq]

As a regular visit to Blackpool over the years, its shocking to see the decline in the entire resort, because thats what people need to realise what it is, a resort. The state some properties have been allowed to get into is a scandal, its this can only be down to an inept city council. There needs to be a huge change in the place, personally I think central government needs to get involved, this is a historic importance, people just need to get shit done!!!

[@racheljohnson9687]

I don't get Blackpool Council there are companies that have developed buildings in Blackpool into large holiday apartments that sleep up to 6 people, so I really don't understand why they are putting all these restictions on him its bloody ridiculous 🤔 let the man buy as many rundown places he wants to & develop them to the high standard he's managed to do that one apartment block (GET YOUR FINGERS OUT BLACKPOOL COUNCIL) 😡😠🤬😤

[@reneschaefer4027]

Thank you for your support Rachel!

[@InvestmentAngels]

Unbelievable - I cannot see any comprehensible reason for the restrictions imposed by the authorities. They should kneel down for anyone willing to invest there.

[@alistairlambert3275]

Well I like this new style of video, there must be so many stories like this in Blackpool which are really interesting. We need more Rene’s and the council should be helping, not hindering him.

[@eddyhammerton3310]

forward thinking Blackpool council not these days. the town needs people like this fella hes looking forward god knows where the council are looking.

[@reneschaefer4027]

Thank you for the support Eddy!

[@eddyhammerton3310]

@@reneschaefer4027 Thank you Rene for trying to improve the town the council should be working with you not against you.

[@reneschaefer4027]

@@eddyhammerton3310 last month I had a meeting with them and it was very disappointing.

[@Adam-xc4qs]

Top Ayn Rand quote! Another comes to mind: If a businessman makes a mistake, he suffers the consequences. If bureaucrat makes a mistake, you suffer the consequences...

[@reneschaefer4027]

I love Ayn Rand! After I have read Atlas shrugged I left Germany.

[@davidconnor8705]

Rene doing a great job, top quality accomodation providing work for many local people, come on Blackpool council get your act together.

[@kevinhiggins373]

Good video Stephen a departure from your normal stuff but as usual on the money with the subject. Well done.

[@leegorman8322]

People can see he's a well meaning, chap (a credit to Blackpool). He could have took his money elsewhere. 🤔It's a classic case of what could have been, but you'll lose him (and others like him). What could have been? Very enlightening video 🤗

[@janetagbugblah8127]

Incompetence and lack of forward thinking by Blackpool Council unfortunately allowed previous developers to ram people into substandard houses of multiple occupancy with no thought for standards of living for those occupants. Unfortunately these buildings then attracted less than desirable tenants and created massive social problems. Those of us that live here see the evidence of that every day. The council can right the wrongs of past bad decisions by looking at new ways forward and taking seriously those that wish to invest in exactly these areas. Surely renovating and recreating these old Victorian and Georgian properties will also help others as the areas would benefit from more visitors because people would want to stay again. When you consider that most families consist of more than 3 people then those council restrictions on holiday lets has just shut down any chance of any developers wanting to invest and therefore streets and streets are going to be left to rot. I can understand why the council did what they did but its time to look to the future. As a tourist town we can't do it on our own, we should be welcoming investors at all levels then maybe Blackpool wouldn't be known to those outside as a shithole!

[@mahatmacoat5697]

Obviously not following the brown envelope protocol.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

He doesn’t want to go that route.

[@reneschaefer4027]

I want to go further to involve the ombudsman and then I am hoping to receive white envelopes from the council for compensation 🙂

[@jen6251]

I love these live streams I'm learning a lot about Blackpool things I didn't know it's interesting to just watch all the videos good video can't wait for the next ones

[@michelehildebrandt1425]

Very interesting Video. What a shame Blackpool council needs their head shaking

[@jimdeas2711]

Need to try and get someone from the council or a local councillor on to explain there position.

[@reneschaefer4027]

Before I made this video I had a one hour meeting with the head of Blackpool planning Susan Parker and the head of Blackpool economic development Rob Green. I couldn't see any sign of them understanding the bad impact of their policy. I was honestly under the impression that they are not even able to read a business plan which makes them not fit for these important decisions.

[@shayhavenhand7517]

can't believe I've only just watched this video I live only a few houses down on cavendish road and see that building on the corner everyday when I walk down towards the tram stop, didn't realise the owner of the property was having so many issues with the council regarding it!

[@elizaphe58]

I've worked in Travel for 26 years. Studio 1-2 people. 1 bed apartment sofa bed in lounge 1-4 people. 2 Bedroom apartment sofa bed in lounge 1-6 people 3 Bedroom apartment 1-8 people sofa bed in lounge. So are the Planners at Blackpool Council Incoming agents controlling the amount of visitors to the Resort. Are they only interested in the big brand hotels investing in the Town? How many people are waiting to be rehoused through the council but are living in overcrowded temporary accommodation but that's fine! The Resort is a crying shame I have just come back from there.I do alot of walking around the Streets and Roads and it is so sad.Terrible that people wanting to sell are held back by the restrictions of the Planning. Next thing Blackpool will be counting how many people on the Promenade and restrict the numbers! The streets off the Promenade were so lovely back in the day now they look so sad.If an investor comes in to improve an area surely that is a massive plus for everyone! Sad for the investor too losing so much money. Councils just do things to suit themselves for brownie points! Sometimes the logic is mind boggling.

[@ShallowPlane]

What a lovely bloke it’s a shame the council have no vision

[@paulinefraser4097]

wow so very sad and cannot understand how someone is willing and able to invest and improve the area which is so screaming for improvement! just what is the problem with Blackpool council? Rene got rid of drug dealers and squatters and wants to clean up!!! why is that a problem??? come on Blackpool council do your job! and work !!!for!!! not against this fabulous place and make it proud to have people visit! great reporting Stephen let’s hope many people watch and rise up and demand the council reconsider for this man who wants to invest! 😁 Pauline from Blackpool living in Canada 🍁

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Pauline.

[@reneschaefer4027]

Thank you for your support form Canada. Even in Brazil people are speaking about the Blackpool council know.

[@Neil070]

Locally, a disused private school (a large Victorian house, hidden from the road and in an area of low density building) was bought by a care home company, who wanted to demolish the run down and architecturally uninteresting building to build a new care home, much needed as we all know. The new owners had to take the case to Gov't level, as planning permission was repeatedly refused. The excuse was that it was on green belt land (but within the existing footprint of the present building). The same council has given permission for two large housing estates on greenfield sites outside the town, acres of good agricultural land lost and views ruined forever. Councils are destroying our towns and villages

[@migustalavida237]

Can’t believe it , someone wants to invest and they are not helpful. Amazing isn’t it ….. Kensington homes seem to get permission for everything…. Disgusting.

[@jackymitchell8487]

Just watched the remainder of the vid. My heart goes out to this man. The council are idiots. Treating someone who wants to invest like this. Shameful.

[@johnwebster2263]

Some may say that a certain shade of brown type paper folder (A4 size ) could be of assistance with the planning process

[@reneschaefer4027]

I think Stephen should make a video about the cars Blackpool planning officers drive ;-)

[@paulp410]

The older I get, the less life makes sense! You've got a bloke/ consortium that want to invest 10,'s if not 100's of thousands of pounds in redeveloping Blackpool properties, yet the beauracrats are against it putting hurdles in their way at every point! Why? Why? What legitimate reason is there to turn down improvements to your home town? Blackpool council hang your heads in shame! Probably won't be long though and they will do an about turn, immigrant accomodation anyone?

[@juliejackson8167]

What a shame he can't get permission from the council sounds a decent man💔😪

[@MrSargemneil]

That former Hartes store on Waterloo Road will remain an eyesore for years because of these restrictions. A tidier Resort will attract even more people.

[@juliepownall1063]

Hi Stephen Blackpool council should be ashamed so many buildings going to rot so sad really hope rene gets his property restored 👍

[@reneschaefer4027]

Thank you for your support Julie!

[@juliepownall1063]

@@reneschaefer4027 your welcome

[@roybond5404]

That was all very interesting, I wish him all the luck , thank you Steven .

[@patriciahadley2374]

Just how many disgruntled and frustrated property owners are there in Blackpool caught up in this same pitiful situation? People, who with these insane limits, find themselves losing thousands of pounds a year. This kind of reasoning from Blackpool Council is not only harmful to its residents but is also terribly embarrassing in front of investors from countries which have more intelligent councils. I feel really ashamed of this council, and even though Rene is behaving in an absolutely elegant and charming way, I'm sure he must be seething inside. Very sad! 😪

[@martinjarvis8312]

This is a really interesting video this man is trying to do something good for the area and make it a better place it would be good to see him fulfil his ideas if you can do any follow up videos in the future of how he gets on the would be good thanks

[@robertjarrett9562]

I am totally shocked by this video i always thought that Blackpool council were very forward in improving your town but it seems as if they are as bad as the council's down here in the south. Surely they would be more than willing to encourage people like Rene to invest in your town. It looks to me like common sense has gone through the window with Blackpool council. This Rene seems like a very intelligent man let's hope he succeeds with his projects because Blackpool cannot afford to lose people like him regenerating the area

[@reneschaefer4027]

Thank you for the support Robert!

[@machinehead6564]

This is exactly what blackpool needs someone to clean it up

[@davidnm21]

I like the “reporter” style of video here Stephen well done really works but that poor chap Rene I feel so sorry for. How can developers buy up and refurbish tired run down Blackpool hotels when the council act like this blocking him from trying to do the right thing and bring these properties back to life. It’s a desperate act and so spiteful from Blackpool council. Some of these hotels could sit derelict for years and continue to rot. The council need there a***s kicked. What a situation to be in.

[@hancecrawford]

Stephen that shocking to be treated like that it is an absolute disgrace they wouldn't this man a permits unless it is fully restored so sad.

[@keithsmith2692]

What the hell is wrong with the Blackpool council to keep rejecting this poor man who is trying to bring business and money into the town. Poor man just wants to turn one place into his own house. Councils can be real arseholes at times .. 😡😡😡😡😡

[@philipcroft9857]

What is it with councils?? Their all the same stephen, jobsworths!! Lookslike they prefer a derelict drug den to someone trying to make these properties good again. Their a joke!!

[@RonnieWesthead]

Good on Blackpool Council for realising this scam. This for ain't building a home.. he's doing a place for immigrants.. paid for by the government He should be deported. Immediately.

[@williamdonly7966]

Fantastic different video!! Seems Blackpool Council hold the keys to develop some run down hotels!! Maybe developers should look at other towns!!! Leaving Blackpool behind!!

[@shanebyrne7020]

What is wrong with. Blackpool council this man is trying to improve the old buildings it is a disgrace the way they are treating him

[@reneschaefer4027]

Thank you for your support Shane.

[@denisepearson5212]

My god wot an amazing man so Blackpool council are happy with drug dealers but a lovely man who’s trying to improve Blackpool and take it up a level

[@wisher21uk]

The council have removed the papers from your link 🤔 Absolutely shocking Stephen that poor guy I feel for him

[@pamills66]

The seafront railing are in dire need of a lick of paint that would transform the promanade. Get council to supply paint and equipment and get volunteers of 50 to 100 to give up a weekend and paint a section each.

[@charleswhitney3235]

The road to hell is paved with good intentions. I can understand the council wanting to push developers towards lower densities but if the end result is a derelict town, something has gone very wrong

[@leeswain]

Aren't the occupancy limits for safety, isn't this a landlord wanting more people to charge for a bedsit by the sea at top rates

[@glennburton633]

Like you I think there’s more to this than meets the eye. One thing Bpool needs less of is HMOs not more of em.

[@reneschaefer4027]

All plans are fully approved by the fire brigade. The purpose of the restrictions is to cut competition for existing hotels imposed by the hotel association.

[@airbornevlogs]

Great video mate, love the Blackpool videos, we visit regularly, we go to Bispham kitchen and the then the ice cream shop on the corner up from there. 🍦👍

[@junelaw4162]

A very interesting video BC. Need to get their act together thanks for this till the next one 😊

[@jackymitchell8487]

Poor chap. Wants to make that property into a lovely building and it is lying in a state because of the council. They should be ashamed of themselves.

[@reneschaefer4027]

Thank you for your support Jacky!

[@TheBorzoilover]

What a great video Stephen maybe send your video to the local television and the press then maybe they can shame the council and get them to respond.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Hopefully the paper will pick this up.

[@GMMilambar]

Property develipers will ALWAYS want to cram more people in than the property was designed for. Councils exist (at least in part, and in theory) to stop them. People are entitled to sufficient habitable space. Sorry, I'm with the council on this one.

[@reneschaefer4027]

This is not about permanent flats they are holiday flats and it is not realistic to restrict a 78sqm holiday flat to a maximum occupancy of 3 holiday guests.

[@karenfoster149]

This is ridiculous the council not letting this guy refurb run down properties .. 😡

[@reneschaefer4027]

The Blackpool planning department is planning the decay of Blackpool. We should stop them! The is command economy like in the Soviet Union.