Expansion of a Colliers Wood hotel could bring jobs and regeneration to the area, planning officers have said.

The plan, which was approved at a council meeting on Thursday night, will give the Holiday Inn in Colliers Wood 50 per cent more rooms.

It includes a three storey extension at the front of the High Street building, taking the total number of rooms from 83 to 125, as well as a bigger restaurant and new reception area and courtyard.

The expansion is expected to create jobs for six to eight full time staff.

A planning officers report, which recommended the expansion was approved, said: “The proposal would increase in the number of hotel bedrooms in a local centre where public transport accessibility levels are good and would contribute to the regeneration of the locality.”

The hotel is in an area at risk of flooding - but the report states that, after examining the issue, the Environment Agency and emergency services did not make any objections on the grounds of flood risk.

The hotel is also in the Wandle Valley conservation area - but the planning officers’ report describes the current building as one of “no particular architectural merit”, and says the changes would have a positive impact on the appearance hotel and the area.

It describes the current design as failing to contribute positively to the character or appearance of the High Street.

The developers have also agreed to pay for transport improvements and CCTV cameras in the area in return for building approval.

Five letters opposing the bid were sent to the council by residents.

Grounds for objecting included worries over extra traffic, noise and litter, and fears the new rooms could overlook residents’ homes.

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