PLANS for a 40-room hotel neighbouring a popular pub and restaurant are set for approval.

Basildon Council has recommended plans to construct the hotel next to the Four Seasons, on Victoria Road, Laindon, are approved by the planning committee when they meet tomorrow.

The Four Seasons is owned by Greene King Pub Company, and in the past Basildon Council has approved three separate plans for a hotel on the site, first in 1989, then in 1999 and in 2007.

But planning permission was never acted upon by the owners.

It is hoped that a successful hotel will have a positive effect on the area’s economy, bringing residents from further afield to Laindon.

The plans aim to build a two-storey, 40-room hotel with 20 rooms on each floor, as well as a creation of a walkway directly into the pub and a reception area.

The pub has been on the site for more than 20 years, and the proposal has been designed to reflect the materials of the site preserving its history.

The design and access statement said: “We strongly believe that the proposal will not result in any adverse impacts.

“Indeed, the application proposals will have a positive economic result as discussed in the accompanying planning statement.

“The scheme is of a considered design which respects to the immediate and wider local context, contributing to the enhancement of a popular commercial offer.”

Travelodge has recently announced that it would be keen to run a hotel in the area, but confirmed it has no involvement in this project.

There are currently 123 parking spaces at the pub, which will be reduced to 111 once the hotel is constructed.

No comments supporting the plans, or objecting to them, were submitted by the public.

Basildon Council’s planning committee will discuss the application at tomorrow night’s committee meeting, with planning officers recommended the plans for approval ahead of the meeting.

The officers’ report concluded that: “Overall, the proposal will provide a modern hotel facility close to the industrial areas, bringing investment into the district, without seriously impacting on the amenities of either this locality, or neighbouring occupiers.

“As a result, it is considered to accord with the general objectives of the NPPF, and therefore is acceptable.”

The planning committee will meet tomorrow at 7pm at the 3rd Floor Conference Room, The Basildon Centre, St. Martin’s Square.