PLANS to extend Droitwich Spa's Chateau Impney hotel have been given the go ahead.

Members of Wychavon District Council's development control committee agreed unanimously to the major planning application at the landmark building.

The scheme, to create extra bedroom facilities at the Grade II listed building, has been running for a number of years following on-going talks with English Heritage.

However, the revised scheme has now been agreed by planning officials. It will see a three-and-a-half storey octagonal building with 160 rooms built at the rear of the historic hotel.

At last Thursday's meeting, Councillor Judy Pearce (Con-Dodderhill) argued that it was vital that the plans were agreed.

"It is important we give it a chance. It is important for the local economy and without it the Chateau will wither and die.

"Overall, I feel that although it is in green belt we must give planning permission."

The Chateau already has modern conference facilities that can allow for up to 1,000 delegates at the site.

The new development aims to provide accommodation for those visitors. Bedroom capacity is currently only 115, meaning the hotel was losing potential business.

Cllr Mike Barratt (Con-Droitwich East) also backed the proposed changes at the meeting. He said: "This hotel brings a lot of people from abroad and offers extensive training courses.

"The Chateau definitely needs the extension because it is losing business. We must try to help local businesses."

Concerns were raised about the amount of traffic the development would generate, but that was not echoed by highways officials.

Before the application was approved a planning condition was added that means the new development will collect and recycle rain water from its roof area which can be used at the Chateau for cleaning and watering the gardens.