Premier Inn Hotels plans to build an extension to the main building of the Travel Inn on Main Street while also carrying out alterations to its interior.

The work would see the existing Beefeater restaurant converted into additional rooms and a breakfast room. In total 33 new rooms would be created, bringing the total to 94.

A letter submitted in support of the application explains: “Premier Inn has identified demand for additional budget hotel accommodation in this location. It is also acting to reconfigure the restaurant proposition to ensure it best fits the needs of customers. This proposal for additional bedrooms and an adjusted restaurant proposition would meet Premier Inn’s operational requirements and address demand for its offer.”

Properties neighbouring the hotel include the Antonine Garden and one house, while other housing and businesses are also nearby.

Although the site is not considered to be part of the town centre in the council’s development plan, the applicant argues the hotel is an important part of the local area and expanding it would lead to increased use of the town centre, and also complies with the council’s policies concerning the development of brownfield sites.