THE former Blenheim House Hotel in North Berwick could be turned into apartmentshouses, after owner Matt Atton he failed to find a buyer for the hotel.

The site, on Westgate, has lain empty for somea number of years, but owner Matt Atton was hopeful of finding a buyer.

Mr AttonHe bought the building in 2012, and hoped to redevelop itthe former hotel into a luxury hotel, for touring golfers, and to use a flat-roofed building to the rear of the hotel, as his family home.

However, those plans were rejected by East Lothian Council, and the building has since fallen into serious disrepair.

Mr Atton described the former hotel as a “dilapidated eyesore” in a letter to North Berwick Community Council (NBCC).

The letter said: “Having committed significant time and costs, as well as the input of independent specialists within the sector and a period of approximately 18 months on the open market, we now had to explore alternative options for the property.

“Given the results from the specialists employed, the severely dilapidated condition of the building and its limitations within the existing use class as identified by the specialists which demonstrates that it is an unviable business proposition, I will be seeking permission for the change of use of the property back to its original residential use.”

He is expected to lodge plans with East Lothian Council soon for a change of use, to residential, at the former hotel, and hopes it may make four apartments.

Mr Atton’s statement continued: “Because of the size of the property at some 8,000 sq ft, more than four times the size of a modern detached family house, that conversion into flats would be appropriate.

“In the interests of ensuring any proposals are as closely aligned to the existing extent of built structure and that proposed within the plans consented in 2013, I will be submitting an application for change of use back to residential, and sympathetic subdivision of the property to four apartments.”

Community councillors, though, were disappointed with Mr Atton’s decision.

Elma Danks said: “It is a shame, because we do not have much hotel space in North Berwick.”

Hilary Smith, fellow NBCC member, agreed, and said it was a “real missed opportunity”.

David Kellock, outgoing community council chairman, said: “I hope that there will be an opportunity to discuss this further with him.”

Earlier this year, the flat-roofed building at the rear of the former hotel was demolished after it was “absolutely trashed” following a number of break-ins.