AN INTERNATIONAL hotelier could be building a 123 room hotel in Bridgwater if plans are approved. 

Zeal Hotels has submitted plans to Sedgemoor District Council to build a five storey, 123 room Hampton by Hilton hotel at Woodlands Court Business Park, next to the Morrisons Distribution Centre on Bristol Road in Bridgwater. 

The hotelier's plans show that if approved, 81 car parking spaces, eight cycle spaces, a fitness suite and a meeting room will be built. 

The applicants say the hotel will respond 'positively' to the 'unprecedented demand' for hotel spaces as a result of the development of Hinkley Point C, which is set to generate 900 jobs at the new power stations for more than 60 years and around 25,000 employment opportunities throughout the build period for nearly a decade.

"The Hinkley Point C development is generating significant growth for hotel and spaces in Bridgwater”  a spokesman for the applicants said.

“When considered alongside the importance of the tourist sector in Bridgwater, this presents an opportunity for new hotel development.

“The benefits of such development were recognised by the council in granting planning permission for a similar development at Junction 24 of the M5 a year or so ago.

“The proposal aims to target this same opportunity at a similarly accessible site and has been the subject of positive pre-application consultation with officers at the council.

"It is this dual opportunity that prompted the agreement with Holiday Inn Express to occupy the approved hotel."

Comments are welcome on the application until September 22 after which a decision will be made by Sedgemoor District Council.