The picturesque Sandbanks peninsula could soon see a new wave of luxury apartments, but the plans are facing stiff opposition.
The controversy stems not just from the price tags but from a lingering community resentment over how a nearby Boscombe hotel has been repurposed in recent years.
John Butterworth, a well-known entrepreneur, wants to transform the historic Haven Hotel in Sandbanks into multi-million-pound flats.
However, locals are wary of his intentions, citing the fate of his family’s Chine Hotel in Boscombe, which has been used to house migrants for several years.
From Glamorous Past to Migrant Housing
The Chine Hotel, once a South Coast landmark attracting the likes of Dame Vera Lynn and Laurel & Hardy, was built by Butterworth’s late father.
Butterworth himself admitted in interviews that seeing the hotel fall into disuse would “break his heart.”
But in 2015, the hotel closed to the public and was converted into accommodation for migrants—a move that has divided the community.
Residents argue that the change has contributed to a spike in local crime, anti-social behavior, and a drop in property values.
Sandbanks Plans Spark Debate
Butterworth’s new project, run through his FJB Hotels group, would see the Haven Hotel redeveloped into high-end flats.
The proceeds are intended to fund upgrades for two other hotels he owns on the peninsula: Sandbanks Hotel, which is set to become a five-star venue, and Harbour Heights, which will also undergo a revamp.
While some locals support the scheme, believing the Haven is no longer fit for purpose, many see it as an extension of the distrust sparked by the Chine Hotel situation.
Community members fear that Butterworth is prioritizing wealthier clients over long-term relationships with residents.
Voices from the Community
Local resident Darren Gorton criticized FJB Hotels’ lack of transparency, saying:
“They still list The Chine Hotel as part of their group but say nothing about it housing asylum seekers.
Locals see the money being made while our streets feel less safe. If you’re proud of your decisions, own them publicly.”
Another homeowner described being blindsided by the migrant housing:
“The first we knew was when a skip arrived to take stuff out, and two weeks later coaches were bringing asylum seekers.
Now, he wants public support for Sandbanks, but he’s handling a public relations disaster.”
FJB Hotels Responds
In response to mounting speculation, FJB Hotels recently clarified that none of their Sandbanks properties would house asylum seekers.
A statement on social media read:
“Harbour Heights, Sandbanks, and Haven Hotels are open for business as usual.
Sandbanks and Haven Hotels are seasonal and will close for the winter as they have done for the past three years.
We look forward to welcoming you soon.”
The Chine Hotel has since been removed from the FJB Hotels website, leaving only Haven, Sandbanks, and Harbour Heights listed.
Butterworth Defends the Plans
Richard Carr, FJB Hotels spokesperson, stressed that The Chine Hotel’s situation is separate from Sandbanks developments:
“The Chine was a loss-making hotel. The Home Office requested it for refugees, and it would have been used elsewhere if not there.
The Sandbanks hotels will proceed as planned, without refugee accommodation, and the developments will boost tourism, create jobs, and sustain the area.”
Despite these assurances, locals remain skeptical, insisting that trust must be rebuilt before the Sandbanks luxury flats can win broad community support.
