District council set to approve plans for hotel development on Cadogan Road car park.

Travelodge has been given the green light to drive into Cromer.

North Norfolk District Council is set to approve plans to sell part of the Cadogan Road car park for a hotel development at its Cabinet meeting next month.

It has recommended a number of sites for development in a bid to raise money to balance the books before setting its budget for the year ahead.

And the budget hotel chain has reiterated its desire to build a new hotel in Cromer.

Other proposals include commissioning plans for a residential development on the former council depot at Grove Lane, Holt; creating an over 55s apartment development on the Highfield Road car park in Fakenham; and preparing plans for a commercial development at the public toilets in Beach Road, Wells.

The report due to be presented to councillors on Monday, February 6, states: 'It is recommended that Cabinet agrees to consider further the potential of the Cadogan Road car park in Cromer to accommodate a new hotel development on the terms advised by Pygott and Crone and to engage the company to represent the Council in the advertising and disposal of part of the site for such a development, based on the company's experience of similar investment proposals elsewhere.'

Speculation around Travelodge's interest in the town has divided opinion - with those for keen for more affordable accommodation in the seaside resort, while those against fear it could take trade away from existing hotels.

Gary Steele, Travelodge Regional Director, said: 'The Norfolk economy is growing at pace and with increasing visitor numbers to the area, there is still a shortage of good quality accommodation at a great value price. Therefore to meet this growing consumer demand we are looking for new hotel sites in: Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Kings Lynn and Cromer. These hotels will create 100 new jobs.'