Extra 17 bedrooms set to be constructed at one of town’s largest hotels

Bosses have unveiled proposals for an additional block at the Premier Inn, off Queen Victoria Road, as part of a nationwide expansion programme, amid claims there is a demand for more accommodation in Burnley.

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If the scheme, which also includes two new parking spaces, is passed by the borough council’s development control committee then the hotel would have a total of 87 rooms.

Planning agent Jake McLeod, said: “Whitbread has recognised a requirement for additional rooms in the area.

“The existing hotel is one of the group’s best performing facilities in the region, as measured by occupancy and turn-away data.”

The new two-storey extension, complete with air-conditioning units, would be to the north end of the existing accommodation block, which is located opposite the Queen Victoria Brewer’s Fayre pub, on the banks of the Leeds Liverpool Canal.

Work on the scheme would also involve an electrical sub-station being located to the northern end of the site.

The last extension for the Premier Inn was in 2006, when a 24-bedroom extension was given the go-ahead by councillors.

Mr McLeod added: “The proposed extension will create new jobs, both during the construction phase and in the form of additional hotel and restaurant staff in reception, room maintenance, building maintenance and security that would be required as a result of 17 extra bedrooms at the site.”

The proposed Premier Inn extension bucks a trend within the Burnley hotel industry over the past few years.

Students from the University College of Football Business now use the former Sparrow Hawk Hotel as halls of residence and The Crown Hotel, formerly known as the Keirby Park, is used for the same purpose for nine months of the year.

The largest hotel in the Burnley area is still the Holiday Inn Express, off Pendle Way, which has 102 rooms.

The Oaks and Travelodge are the town’s other major hotels.