PLANS for a new hotel by Southend Airport have been revealed.

Bosses at the rapidly expanding airport want to build a three-block hotel.

Plans show a four-storey block with an initial 132 rooms, while a second building could provide the same, and a slightly larger building at the rear, with 136 rooms.

The airport has hosted consultation events over the last two days as the proposals were unveiled.

The provisional aim is to have the hotel up and running and open to customers ready for summer 2021.

Labour councillor Daniel Cowan, who attended the consultation meeting, said: “I can’t say too much because I sit on the development control committee, but it was very positive to see the plans. If it brings good quality employment to the area, then it is good news.

“And if it brings good levels of parking, so it does not have a negative effect on the nearby area, I cannot see any major problems with it. But of course we will take on board offices advice and make a decision.”

A letter sent to airport stakeholders said: “London Southend Airport is currently drawing up plans for a further hotel at the airport.

“It would be developed on the existing airport car parking site on the land to the west of the Holiday Inn Hotel, north of Eastwoodbury Crescent.”

Southend Airport bosses confirmed they are hoping to submit plans to Southend Council within the next six weeks.

It is hoped it will then be decided by the planning committee before Christmas.

If approved, the airport will aim to begin work on the site next summer - with construction of the hotel estimated to take a year.

The increase in accommodation comes after extra flights were launched from the airport with a rapidly increasing number of passengers.

Owners, Stobart Aviation, also invited new Prime Minister Boris Johnson to visit the airport to gain support for further expansion.