A proposal to bring a £5 million Premier Inn to Letchworth is gathering steam after a planning application was submitted to North Herts District Council on Monday.

If accepted the plans will give a new make-up to Station Road, with Aspidistra Florist and Amron’s School of Sewing being demolished to make way for the four-storey hotel with 57 bedrooms and a restaurant.

Following a public consultation in February, 27 feedback forms and 17 emails were returned to the developers, of which around 80 per cent were in favour of the development.

One of the chief concerns among those who expressed reservations is parking, but the planning document states that most customers will be using public transport and arriving outside core business hours when more spots are available.

After discussion with the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation – which has been working with Premier Inn on the plans – customers will be advised to use The Wynd car park overnight.

John Bates, who is the southern head of acquisitions at the budget hotel chain, said: “We have submitted a planning application for our first 57-bedroom Premier Inn in Letchworth.

“If approved, the new hotel would generate ?£5 million in fresh investment, create 30 new year-round jobs for the local area and help to attract new visitors to the town.

“We look forward to North Herts District Council’s decision in the coming months.”

David Ames, Foundation head of heritage and strategic planning, said: “It’s excellent to see such a quality brand investing in our town.

“The hotel will offer visitors more choice, supporting local businesses and our own aspirations for new attractions such as the theatre.”

To view the application for yourself, visit www.north-herts.gov.uk/home/planning.