A NEW Premier Inn and steakhouse will be built in Regent Street.

Borough council planning officers gave the £17m development the go-ahead earlier today. 

A new eight storey, 197 bedroom Premier Inn hotel with a Bar+Block steakhouse restaurant at ground floor level and 42 car parking spaces will be constructed opposite The Savoy pub.

Government guidelines on social distancing will be adhered to throughout construction.

Cabinet Member for the town centre Coun Dale Heenan, said: “I am delighted that the green light has been given to Premier Inn. This is a very difficult time for businesses at the moment, but developments like this can still go ahead when it's safe to do so.

“Eighteen months ago, the council took a different approach to this vacant site. Six months ago it was sold, and today is an important milestone. In another 18 months people will see the difference.”