Premier Inn will 'support local economy'

PLANS for the £8 million Premier Inn hotel in Cleethorpes have been approved – creating 70 new jobs.

North East Lincolnshire Council has given Whitbred and development partners Maltgrade Ltd the go-ahead to build the 60-bedroom hotel – and construction is due to start next month.

Based at Meridian Point close to Parkway Cinema, owners hope the hotel and 190-cover Brewers Fayre restaurant will be open by spring 2014.

Senior acquisition manager for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants Kevin Murray said: "Our hotel is a strong proposition for Cleethorpes and it's great to finally get planning approval for the scheme.

"As well as bringing two leading brands to Meridian Point, we will be creating new jobs and helping to attract new leisure and business visitors to stay in the town.

"It will help support the local economy in Cleethorpes and we will be working hard over the next few months to get the scheme built and open to our customers as soon as possible."

But owner of independent Clee House Hotel and Bistro, David Keenan, believes it will effect his business – especially if tradesmen and contractors working on the South Bank sign up a cheap deal with the chain.

He said: "It is going to affect my occupancy level, how greatly it will be affected only time will tell. The council's decision is not a question of right or wrong. They are desperate for employment in the area – it has nothing to do with the perceived need for the hotel.

"This will create jobs, short and long term and that is all the council are interested in. As for the knock-on effect on local businesses, they couldn't give a monkey's. They will also do well out of the potential business rates.

"It is all politics at the end of the day."

The application was submitted to NELC in 2012 and approved using delegated powers because it will "be a significant landmark building which will have a positive impact on the local economy" and "designed to impact as little as possible on the amenities of the nearest neighbouring occupiers and will add variety to the choice of leisure facilities available to both tourists and locals in the resort town of Cleethorpes".

Deputy council leader and portfolio holder for leisure and tourism Councillor Mick Burnett is delighted the hotel is coming to Cleethorpes.

It has also been welcomed by Cleethorpes In Bloom committee members, who struggled to accomodate 500 delegates who will attend the Britain In Bloom award ceremony in October.

Mr Burnett said: "This will be a further boost for the resort and demonstrates growing confidence investors and developers have in the town and wider borough.

"I look forward to seeing building work start and the opening next summer."