An ambitious £3 million project to expand an historic seafront hotel has been given the go ahead.

Planning permission has been granted for a new Leisure and Spa Facility at the Hythe Imperial Hotel.

Artist impressions of the proposals reveal a glass-fronted two-storey building, covered in foliage, sitting to the left of the existing 92-bed hotel, along Princes Parade.

The new-build will allow space for 10 additional bedrooms and a new bridal dressing room.

Updated treatment rooms for the spa are also planned, including a manicure and pedicure room, a relaxation room and seven spa treatment rooms, two of which will be double rooms with en-suite facilities.

The project will also create new spin and aerobics studios, a separate gym changing room and a 40-machine gymnasium complete with an outdoor swimming pool with jacuzzi.

This will all be topped off with an all new leisure club members private lounge with access to a new Japanese gardens.

The documents have been submitted by GSE Group, owners of the popular hotel, as well as the Marquis of Granby in Alkham, near Dover.

Bosses hope the project will transform the 4-star hotel into a ‘destination resort’.

Design proposals have been developed by Guy Hollaway Architects, which is already behind a number of new builds in the county such as the new cinema in Elwick Place, Ashford, and the one-of-a-kind skate park being developed in Folkestone.

Guy Hollaway has said “We are delighted to have achieved detailed planning approval for what we believe will prove to be a fantastic extension to the Hythe Imperial Hotel, and we look forward to realising this Wellness building for the town and the many visitors to the Imperial.”

Darrell Healey, GSE Chairman, said the news gave "hope for the hospitality sector at a time when it is needed most".

'This allows us to look forward to the future...'

"The new spa and leisure facility will further enhance the stay of our guests and will provide an excellent outlet for our guests to work out and unwind," he added.

Nick Gauntlett, Managing Director of the Hythe Imperial Hotel, said “The new spa and leisure facility allows us to expand upon this already beautiful building.

"The hotel is very much part of the local history and has become an iconic holiday destination and wedding venue for many over the years.

“During these unprecedented times that we are all navigating our way through, this allows us to look forward to the future and as a team we are very excited to see the new addition come to life”

Read more: All the latest news from Hythe