The leader of Medway Council has dismissed complaints about a new hotel in Rochester which is claimed will obscure the view of Rochester Cathedral.

The decision to grant permission for the five-storey hotel has led to concerns about its impact on the historic landmark.

The hotel plan was described as "crushingly unimaginative" and detrimental to local people's enjoyment of Rochester during a debate on the latest edition of ‘Paul on Politics’ on KMTV.

Cllr Alan Jarrett, the Conservative council leader, said the 100-room hotel would help boost the economy of the area by drawing in more tourists.

“This has gone through an exhaustive planning process; I know my colleagues have looked at it a number of times and have eventually come up with a design they are all happy with.”

Asked if he considered it a pity that the hotel would obscure the view from some aspects, he said: “What would that mean? Does that mean we have nothing around our ancient monuments or any of our historical sites?

"The 100 rooms will be used by businesses and tourists, all helping reinvigorate the town’s economy.”

Hannah Temple, of Faversham Green Party, also on the programme, said: “So often with these developments it is crushingly unimaginative.

"Yes, there are some benefits to the local economy. But overwhelmingly the money that is created leaves the area and goes to private owners.

"What if that area had been used for a covered market? Instead of one business that could be 20 or 30 local businesses, run by people in the local economy.”

Dartford Labour councillor Kelly Grehan, said: “Looking at the local economy is all very well but we have to think of people's enjoyment of where they live and unfortunately there is evidence (that where) there is a lot of building, it does take away from people's enjoyment.

"We all know that when you walk past a beautiful building, it's going to cheer you up.”

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