PLANS for a seven-storey, 244-bed hotel on a 'key gateway site' into Chester city centre have been given the green light.

The proposed development on land off Hoole Way, which is currently being used as a temporary car park, was approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council on Friday.

The site was previously earmarked for student accommodation with PJ Properties being given the go-ahead for a 376-bed complex following an appeal hearing in December 2017.

However, those plans were eventually abandoned last year with Cheshire-based developer Morbaine putting forward a proposal for a hotel with associated parking and landscaping, with access from Black Diamond Park.

The development would create a total of 81 full-time jobs, according to the applicant.

The planning application states: "The proposal will specifically seek to enhance the overall supply of visitor accommodation within easy walking distance of Chester's visitor attractions and in a sustainable and accessible location in terms of modes of public transport, all of which directly respond to the principles of the adopted development plan.

"Furthermore, the scheme seeks to substantially improve the aesthetics of the site through the creation of a well-designed and high quality development and in turn, redeveloping an important key gateway site leading into Chester city centre."

Morbaine, a property development and investment group formed in 1963, has delivered developments across a wide range of sectors including retail, leisure, office, industrial, warehousing and residential.

The company has worked with the likes of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, B&Q, Wickes and B&M.