A proposal to bring a £5 million Premier Inn to Letchworth was given the green light by North Herts District Council on Monday.

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

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

Matthew Foulis, who is portfolio manager for the Foundation, said: “We are pleased the hotel proposal has passed this important milestone and is one step closer to being delivered.

“The hotel will bring additional investment to the town and create additional employment opportunities.”

Councillor David Levett, responsible for planning at the district council, said: “We hope that the new development will help to revitalise The Wynd, attract more shoppers and retailers to the area and increase footfall in the town centre.

“The conditions of its approval are largely technical considerations which ensure the new development safeguards the special character of the Letchworth conservation area.”

John Bates, who is head of acquisitions in the south for Premier Inn, said: “We are delighted that the district council has decided to give the green light to our Premier Inn.

“Once complete, the new hotel will deliver £5 million in fresh investment and 25 new year-round jobs for the local area.

“We hope to start work on site in spring 2016 for an early 2017 completion.”