A well-known hotel could be reduced to rubble under new plans from developers of the site.

Earlier this month, The Staincliffe Hotel in Seaton Carew was purchased by Acland Homes, who bought it from Seaside Inns Ltd.

The hotel, which has been in receivership three times, is "struggling to survive against the backdrop of the current economic climate which is squeezing peoples disposable income and affecting the hospitality industry in general," according to developers.

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In a statement released on July 17, Acland Homes has confirmed that "Without a cash boost the fate of the hotel is inevitable and the building unfortunately is likely to become a blight on the Seaton Carew landscape."

Furhter down the statement, the organisation announced that its intentions are to redevelop it for residential purposes, which may involve the total demolition of the building and its replacement with a new development.

As part of the purchase, Acland Homes said that the will consult with the public about the redevelopment plans in the coming months prior to the submission of a detailed planning application to Hartlepool Borough Council in the autumn.

Before that, it confirmed that it would be doing some light refurbishment works, including the installation of a new boiler, to enable the hotel rooms, bar, restaurants and event spaces to be fully re-opened.

"It is unviable to run the hotel longer term, but the short term investment we are making will ensure a smooth transition towards redevelopment with clear cut off dates for bookings rather than closing the building down now," the statement added.

Stephen Litherland, Managing Director of Acland Homes, said: “When this opportunity was put to me my first thoughts were that redeveloping this site will be a challenge, not least because of the nostalgia attached to the building from the people of Seaton Carew and the wider Hartlepool area.

"I have thought long and hard before entering into this venture and after assessing the state of the building I have concluded in good conscience that the redevelopment of the site is the right thing for the area.

"We have just started working on the plans and we plan to put back a high quality replacement. We will consult with everyone on these plans in the coming weeks ahead.

"We are not looking to make any significant profit on the short term running of the hotel, we are simply looking to break even in terms of running and interest costs.

"We therefore have a short term opportunity (maybe 12-18 months) to use the building for some good and we would be open to discussions about any community uses or ideas that anyone has for the space whilst the proposals work their way through the planning system.

"We hope to be able to gain local support but we do appreciate that not everyone will be supportive of the sites redevelopment."