Plans to demolish a historic hotel to make way for retirement flats have been rejected on appeal.

Developer David Cahill wanted to knock down Alveston House Hotel and build 34 flats for those over 55.

He appealed against South Gloucestershire Council's rejection of the planning application but a planning inspector last week dismissed the case.

Although the hotel, originally built as a private family home in 1797, is not a listing building, it is considered a 'non-designated heritage asset' which gives the building a 'degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions'.

Inspector AJ Steen said in his report that the development, which includes communal areas, parking, and landscaping, would comprise inappropriate development within the Green Belt.

"I have concluded that the proposal would result in harm to the significance of a heritage asset," he added.

Carole Crawshaw, the hotel's general manager, confirmed the hotel would now stay open.

"We are delighted to confirm that Alveston House Hotel and Carriages Restaurant will continue to function as usual for the foreseeable future.

"We look forward to welcoming guests, old and new, from the local community"

Cllr Keith Burchell (Con. Almondsbury) said: "I am pleased the South Gloucestershire Council robustly defended their decision to refuse permission and that the appeal has failed. It is an iconic building in the area and should not be knocked down".

Cllr Matthew Riddle (Con. Severn) said "I would like to thank all the local residents who contacted me about the proposals and I was pleased to take up their concerns with the planning officer, at the time."

Cllr Maggie Tyrrell: (Lib Dem. Thornbury South & Alveston) said: “We’re so relieved that the Planning Inspector who heard the appeal on this application agreed with local people that such a development was wrong for this site.

"It would have been a very urban look on the edge of the village, with apartments built right to the edge of the site, dominating the corner and completely changing the rural character of the area.

"The decision to turn the application down was absolutely the right one.”

Cllr Shirley Holloway (Lib Dem. Thornbury South & Alveston) added: “The owners of the hotel have told local people that they now intend to keep the hotel running.

"I do hope that they can make a success of the business and that local people will support them in this enterprise.

"We really don’t want to be faced with another planning application like this last one.”