Town in line to get new hotel

A new hotel could be built at a landmark pub in Cannock which is just a stone's throw from the town's imposing twelve-storey Ramada.

The Orbital pub at Churchbridge is looking to demolish its children's play barn and build a 20-bedroom Premier Inn hotel.

Whitbread Plc, which owns the Brewers Fayre pub, has submitted a planning application to Cannock Chase Council asking for permission for the work to be carried out.

It revealed plans involved demolishing the play barn currently at the side of the pub and building a hotel as a three-storey extension.

People have the chance to make any comments on the plans before council officers decide whether it is something they can deal with under delegated powers or if it needs to go before councillors to be decided.

Pub manager Stuart Jones said: "We are in an ideal location to have one of the Premier Inns."

But the plan has drawn criticism for being too close to the Ramada. Councillor Clive Morgan, who represents Cannock South ward, said: "I hope it's not a big building as we have too many. Another thing like this is not necessary."