PLANS have been put forward to expand a budget hotel next to a busy roundabout in Cirencester.

Applicant Whitbread has submitted a planning application to open 16 new hotel rooms at the Premier Inn near the Kingsmeadow roundabout.

Under the plans, the hotel’s former restaurant the Beefeater - which closed last month - would be replaced with a new breakfast room. 

If plans are approved, the site which currently has 62 hotel rooms and would have a total of 78 rooms.

According to the application, there was previously a "lack of demand" for the restaurant, but a rise in demand for more hotel rooms.

Proposals - which were submitted to Cotswold District Council - also include creating 16 new cycle spaces, removing four parking spaces and installing a new bin store.

The application comes after Whitbread announced in April it planned to cut its workforce by approximately 1,500 people by closing its many of its restaurants. 

Whitbread restaurant brands include Brewers Fayre and Beefeater, plus catering brands such as Bar+Block, Thyme, Cookhouse+Pub, Table Table and Whitbread Inns.

A planning document reads: “Premier Inn Hotels has identified a demand for the provision of additional budget hotel accommodation in this location.

“Equally, the existing hotel restaurant has shown a continued shortfall in demand. 

“The applicant therefore seeks to reconfigure the hotel bedroom and restaurant offer on the site to ensure its success and future viability. 

“At ground floor level, the restaurant area would be reconfigured and reduced in size to allow for additional hotel bedrooms. 

“The first and second floors would remain as existing. 

“The proposal would result in an increase in hotel bedrooms from 62 to 78. 

“A restaurant would be retained on the ground floor.”

It continues: “The Premier Inn hotel is a well-used facility providing overnight accommodation for tourists and business travellers.

“There is demand for additional hotel bedrooms which would create additional employment opportunities during the operational and construction phases.

"The proposed hotel extension would bring economic, social and environmental benefits.

“The hotel operates viably and successfully in this location, whereas there is a lack of demand for a restaurant of the current size, hence the proposal for additional guest bedrooms and a smaller restaurant space.

“As part of the proposals, the associated Beefeater restaurant would be removed, and a
guest ‘Breakfast Room’ delivered to accommodate guests’ morning meals. 

“It should be noted this would not generate any external trade.”

The application was submitted to CDC on July 19.

You can view the application quoting 24/01916/FUL or see here - tinyurl.com/me23kna2

The hotel site located off Cricklade Road has neighbours such as McDonald's, Aldi and Tesco Extra.

The old Greasy Joe’s cafe which closed in May 2014 was previously demolished to make way for the hotel and the restaurant.