International chain hopes to build a multi-million-pound, 119-room hotel at successful business park close to Junction 21, M5, Weston-super-Mare.
Dowlas UK – developer of Weston Gateway Business Park – is seeking permission from North Somerset Council planning permission to build a Holiday Inn Express in the business park, off Filers Way, creating some 100 full-time jobs.
The £12million hotel would occupy one of the remaining plots making up part of the M5 Junction 21 Enterprise Area – alongside Knightstone Housing Association, the newly opened Weston Area rapid reaction police station and successful The Super Mare pub.
If planning permission is granted, work will begin immediately and the hotel could open for business at the end of next year, coming quickly before a slew of other development currently on the drawing board for Weston Gateway Business Park.
Plans outline a five storey, 119 room hotel with full kitchen and restaurant area as well as a 112-space car park and landscaping.
In the application, Dowlas UK says: “This planning application is important to ensure the business park remains attractive to the market and improve the prospects of attracting occupiers.”
It adds that the application has been made with the council’s local plan and core strategy in mind, hoping to meet the authority’s vision for the town and wider community.
The council’s core strategy says: “By 2026, Weston will have an image as an enjoyable and attractive place to live and visit, with a strong cultural identity and good employment base, and successful and thriving communities.”
The council also said employment is a ‘key priority’ for next few years, as it hopes to create 10,500 jobs.
Dowlas UK will support the council’s strategy with its developments in the business park and this hotel could create 100 jobs.
The application is now open to consultation and people can comment on it before May 4.
To view the full application and comment on it, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk and search 17/P0783/F.