Plans to expand a Premier Inn in Northwich have been given the green light despite objections.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning committee approved plans for a two-storey extension to the existing Northwich South hotel on London Road at a meeting on Tuesday.

The wider site already accommodates the Woodpecker Cookhouse and Pub as well as a car park, but the new development will include a new annex with 33 additional bedrooms and 11 car parking spaces, creating five new jobs.

Speaking at the meeting, planning agent Bruce Risk, said: “Premier Inn found a pressing need for hotel accommodation in the Northwich area, this is expected to increase again after restrictions relax.”

The plans were called in to committee by Leftwich councillor Andrew Cooper on behalf of local residents, owing to concerns over residential amenity, loss of trees and drainage.

Northwich Town Council also objected saying the scheme would result in loss of habitat at the Leftwich Meadows/Dane Valley wildlife corridor. It also raised concerns over loss of privacy and overshadowing of nearby homes.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Cooper said the applicant would have to remove ‘at least 20 trees’ to make way for the car park.

He added: “In summary, there are multiple issue with this application, the cumulative impact of which I think warrants refusal.”

The plans were approved subject to conditions, with 10 in favour and one against.